openwork

[ oh-puhn-wurk ]

noun

1. any kind of work, especially ornamental, as of embroidery, lace, metal, stone, or wood, having a latticelike nature or showing openings through its substance.

openwork

/ ˈəʊpənˌwɜːk /

noun

1. ornamental work, as of metal or embroidery, having a pattern of openings or holes

Word History and Origins

Origin of openwork¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; open + work

Example Sentences

But her 1957 painted aluminum “12 Concentric Circles,” with its openwork curves spinning off into space, is a departure from the foursquare Constructivist model set by much geometric work of the period.

From New York Times

This show explores European lace which, like all lace, is a textile that involves no weaving and has openwork structure.

From New York Times

In each case, the crowning feature is an openwork ensemble, cut from a single block of wood, dominated by a large male figure.

From New York Times

More for style than sun protection, some models paraded with cannage hats, an openwork grid pattern favoured by Christian Dior that was also found on padded long coats in blue and khaki green.

From Reuters

A kind of openwork weaving made of knotted cords, or thread, the traditional Andean quipus found in burials may have been used as calculation instruments or memory recorders.

From New York Times

Related Words

• network
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