cornice

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cornice" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to refer to an ornamental moulding along the top of a wall or roofline, or as a verb meaning to finish off a building or room in this way. For example: "The stonemasons used a variety of materials such as marble and stone to cornice the exterior of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

Architecture

Furniture Design

Mountaineering

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Being a Democrat does not mean passing up five freshly painted bedrooms, mahogany bedsteads and a denticulated cornice in the library.

The Economist

For snow that was fresh and powdery, or piled into a cornice; for slopes that were too steep; for debris of fallen rocks, or the mid-morning heat of the sun.

The Economist

The Victorian chamber is not as urgently in need of rebuilding as some of the Palace of Westminster it does not actually leak, falling bits of cornice do not routinely endanger life and limb, the electricity supply is reasonably reliable but it is still arranged for the politics of a bygone era.

The Economist

The piece is topped with a cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jenney and his protégé Louis Sullivan styled their buildings to accentuate verticality, with delineated columns rising from base to cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A similar form was made in Germany, the lower portion enclosed by doors, the upper portion by recessed cupboards with a heavy cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It disregards all Renaissance canons, with its brooding entry and heavy cornice below a slightly bowed and airy facade punched with small windows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His cornice for a Venetian window, sofas, and dressing tables canopied with overdrapes are characteristic of the upholsterer's art in the mid-18th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Temple of Concord, Rome (7 bc ad 10), provides one of the earliest examples of a scrolled console used to support a cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the best examples is the grille in the Monument of Bishop Ernst of Bavaria, Magdeburg cathedral (c. 1495), with elaborate Gothic tracery, nine columns, and a cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The building was capped by a bold overhanging cornice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural styles, use the term "cornice" to accurately refer to the horizontal projection at the top of a wall, differentiating it from other decorative elements.

Common error

Avoid using "cornice" interchangeably with general terms like "molding" or "trim". A "cornice" specifically denotes the uppermost, projecting element, whereas other moldings serve different decorative or structural purposes.

Linguistic Context

The noun "cornice" primarily functions as a descriptive term for a horizontal, projecting feature, whether in architecture, furniture, or natural formations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

23%

News & Media

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cornice" is a frequently used noun, primarily denoting a projecting architectural feature or a similar element in furniture or natural formations. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, highlighting its descriptive function across varied contexts, from encyclopedic definitions to news reports. The term's register typically ranges from neutral to formal. Although it appears across different contexts, it is more commonly found in encyclopedias and news media. When using "cornice", ensure accuracy by distinguishing it from general moldings and understanding its specific function in the described context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crown molding

Refers to a decorative molding used at the junction of a wall and ceiling, similar to a cornice in interior design.

overhanging eave

Describes the projecting edge of a roof, functioning similarly to a cornice in directing water away from walls.

projecting molding

A general term for any molding that extends outward from a surface, encompassing the function of a cornice.

decorative ledge

A shelf-like projection used for ornamentation, sharing the decorative aspect of a cornice.

architectural molding

A broad term for any molding used in building design, including cornices.

entablature

The horizontal part above columns in classical architecture, where the cornice forms the uppermost section.

pelmet

A border of fabric or wood used to conceal curtain fittings, similar to a cornice in window treatments.

valance

A short curtain or piece of decorative fabric hung above a window, similar to a cornice.

snow cornice

An overhanging mass of hardened snow, particularly in mountainous regions, related to the structural concept of an overhang.

top molding

Generic reference to the uppermost molding on a piece of furniture or wall, like a cornice.

FAQs

What is the main function of a cornice in architecture?

A "cornice" primarily serves as a decorative projection at the top of a wall, but it also helps to protect the wall face from rainwater and finish the eaves. Functionally similar to an "overhanging eave", it provides both aesthetic and protective value.

Where can a cornice typically be found?

A "cornice" is commonly found at the top of buildings, walls, or pieces of furniture such as highboys. In architectural terms, it's the uppermost element of an "entablature".

What's the difference between a cornice and crown molding?

While both are decorative moldings, a "cornice" is typically an exterior architectural feature or the topmost part of furniture, whereas "crown molding" is specifically used for interior wall-to-ceiling junctures.

Can "cornice" refer to something other than an architectural feature?

Yes, "cornice" can also refer to an overhanging mass of hardened snow, especially in mountainous regions, known as a "snow cornice". This usage relates to the structural concept of an overhang.