louver

[ loo-ver ]

noun

1. any of a series of narrow openings framed at their longer edges with slanting, overlapping fins or slats, adjustable for admitting light and air while shutting out rain.
2. a fin or slat framing such an opening.
3. a ventilating turret or lantern, as on the roof of a medieval building.
4. any of a system of slits formed in the hood of an automobile, the door of a metal locker, etc., used especially for ventilation.
5. a door, window, or the like, having adjustable louvers.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a louver in; add louvers to:

   to louver a door.

Other Words From

• louvered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of louver¹

1325–75; Middle English lover < Middle French lovier < Middle Dutch love gallery. See lobby

Example Sentences

Each metal louver resembles a giant vertical blind or a tall fence, with the slats spaced 1 inch apart — large enough to allow large volumes of water to pass through while also functioning as a “fish guidance device.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Miranda and others walked on a metal grate over the channel, two workers in hard hats stood on a platform spraying water to clean algae off a metal louver.

From Los Angeles Times

Louver that blends Eastern and Western imagery, textual markings and graphic narrative, and spray paint and gold leaf.

From Los Angeles Times

I remember one time I went to the Louver in Paris.

From New York Times

And outside the Louver, there was a guy who was painting the “Mona Lisa.”

From New York Times