DictionaryembrasureDoor or window recess
noun

embrasure

A recess with sloping sides around a door or window opening.

The window's deep embrasure has sloping sides that widen into the room.

Etymology

French embrasure denotes the space around an opening, especially where its sides spread outward. This architectural sense concerns the shaped recess surrounding a window or doorway.

More examples

  • She places a small bench in the window embrasure.
  • The door sits within an embrasure lined with pale stone.
  • Sunlight reveals the angled sides of the window embrasures.

Forms

embrasure · embrasures

Similar words

recess
Names any set-back space, without requiring sloping sides.