embrasure

noun

em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər How to pronounce embrasure (audio)
1
: an opening with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification usually for allowing the firing of cannon
2
: a recess of a door or window

Illustration of embrasure

Illustration of embrasure
  • E embrasure 2

Examples of embrasure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One room holds an embrasure, complete with a cannon, for those who can’t make the 2.5-mile round-trip hike to the fort itself. Erin L. Thompson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023 There were openings in the upper walls, accessible to the men on the ramparts, called embrasures, through which archers could shoot. William Gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, 11 Apr. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embrasure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from obsolete embraser to widen an opening

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embrasure was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near embrasure

Cite this Entry

“Embrasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embrasure. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

embrasure

noun
em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər How to pronounce embrasure (audio)
1
: an opening with sides slanting outward in a wall or parapet for the firing of cannon
2
: an opening in a wall for a door or window

Medical Definition

embrasure

noun
em·​bra·​sure im-ˈbrā-zhər How to pronounce embrasure (audio)
: the sloped valley between adjacent teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on embrasure

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!