tracery

noun

trac·​ery ˈtrā-sə-rē How to pronounce tracery (audio)
ˈtrās-rē
plural traceries
1
: architectural ornamental work with branching lines
especially : decorative openwork in a Gothic window
2
: a decorative interlacing of lines suggestive of Gothic tracery
traceried
ˈtrā-sə-rēd How to pronounce tracery (audio)
ˈtrās-rēd
adjective

Illustration of tracery

Illustration of tracery
  • tracery 1

Examples of tracery in a Sentence

This window is an example of Gothic tracery. the delicate tracery of a butterfly's wing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But viewed in time-lapse there is a larger pattern in the lights, their tracery. Ben Lerner, Harper's Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023 The spots begin to move, and slip-sliding traceries of luminosity explode. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023 While nearly all the rooms are impressive, the study is definitely a showstopper with its fancy plaster tracery ceiling. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2023 Elsewhere, a paneled library is adorned with an elaborate plaster tracery ceiling and antique Tibetan doors that open to a private office. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for tracery 

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tracery was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near tracery

Cite this Entry

“Tracery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracery. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tracery

noun
trac·​ery ˈtrās-(ə-)rē How to pronounce tracery (audio)
plural traceries
: ornamental work with many branching lines

More from Merriam-Webster on tracery

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!