cornice

American  

[kawr-nis] / ˈkɔr nɪs /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes.

   2. the uppermost member of a classical entablature, consisting of a bed molding, a corona, and a cymatium, with rows of dentils, modillions, etc., often placed between the bed molding and the corona.

2. any of various other ornamental horizontal moldings or bands, as for concealing hooks or rods from which curtains are hung or for supporting picture hooks.

3. a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.

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verb (used with object)

corniced, cornicing

1. to furnish or finish with a cornice.

cornice British  

/ ˈkɔːnɪs /

noun

1. architect

   1. the top projecting mouldings of an entablature

   2. a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc

2. an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie

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verb

1. (tr) architect to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice

Etymology

Origin of cornice

1555–65; < Italian: literally, crow (< Latin cornix ); for the meaning, compare Greek korṓnē crow, crown

Example Sentences

Four of the dogs were rescued after they fell through the cornice, but Aggie could not be found after landing in Coire Toll Mhor, a large hollow below the summit.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

When auditors came to search Freymond’s desk, the story took a farcical turn: Freymond had tried to dispose of the incriminating papers by stashing them outside his office window, on the cornice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 18, 2025

In the most superficial way, the addition is a contextual match for the main house—it is white, and it is a similar height, with a cornice and a matching parapet.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2025

As your eyes adjust in the dark, unlit details fade in: a coat of aluminum paint on the cornice, a staircase through the curtain, a tracing of mortar among stones in the foundation.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2024

Out of the sky he drops to a cornice beam with mortal voice telling me not to weep.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer