oriel

[ awr-ee-uhl, ohr‑ ]

noun

1. a bay window, especially one cantilevered or corbeled out from a wall.
2. (in medieval architecture) a large bay window of a hall or chamber.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oriel¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French oriol porch, passage, gallery, perhaps ≪ Latin aureolus “gilded”

Example Sentences

The existing east facade resembled one of Mackintosh's Barionial castles but his new west facade was very different, with a trio of slender oriel windows- more linear, geometric.

From BBC

On a recent dinner visit to the Country Bistro in Salisbury, the hostess led me to a table by the oriel window, where a hula skirt was the centerpiece of a seaside-themed display.

From New York Times

Cheyenne Barger, a third-grader from Enterprise School, was partial to the ornate oriel window that protrudes from the side of the estate, which was built on prairie land nearly 140 years ago.

From Washington Times

There are four bedrooms on the first floor, including the master suite, which has a large rectangular oriel window.

From New York Times

The Manor House is very old; such quaint little oriel windows, and turrets, and gables.

From Project Gutenberg