sash

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈsash 

: a band worn about the waist or over one shoulder and used as a dress accessory or the emblem of an honorary or military order

sashed

ˈsasht 

adjective

sash

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural sash also sashes

: the framework in which panes of glass are set in a window or door

also : such a framework together with its panes forming a usually movable part of a window

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• belt
• ceinture
• cincture
• cummerbund
• cumberbund
• girdle
• self-belt

Examples of sash in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a dress with a flowered silk sash

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

A couple of weeks ago Sydney Sweeney modeled two different ways to balance style and warmth — the actress wore a Ferragamo look from the fall 2024 collection that included a fur cape worn as a sash over one shoulder and a turtleneck dress with leather opera gloves, leather boots, and sunglasses. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 1 Feb. 2025

Then, gear up for winter weddings by snagging this floral dress from Vince Camuto complete with a removable, waist-cinching sash. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Stephanie Weeks, a Black actress and director who is a frequent Target Margin collaborator, wears one of these WHITE sashes as Julie, the showboat’s leading lady, as does Edwin Joseph, playing her husband and co-star, Steve. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025

Perhaps name tags would have been more helpful than sashes. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

by dissimilation from earlier shash, borrowed from Arabic shāsh "muslin"

Noun (2)

probably by dissimilation from synonymous shash, back-formation from shashes (taken as plural), apparently variant of chasses (attested later), borrowed from French châssis "frame holding window glass" — more at chassis

Note: Any sorting of the derivational succession must be speculative, because shashes, sashes and sash window are all attested within a few years of each other, and chasses, chassis—more closely approximating French—a decade later. It is likely that these words circulated for a considerable time before they found their way into print in the 1680's and '90's.

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1678, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sash

• sash window

Kids Definition

sash

1 of 2 noun

ˈsash 

: a broad band (as of silk) worn around the waist or over the shoulder

sash

2 of 2 noun

plural sash also sashes

1

: the frame in which panes of glass are set in a window or door

2

: the movable part of a window