Sill

/sɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A horizontal piece of timber, stone, or other material at the bottom of a window or door frame.

She placed the flowerpot on the windowsill to get more sunlight.

The bottom part or ledge of a window.

He leaned out of the window and rested his arms on the sill.

A threshold or barrier, as in a doorway.

The child jumped over the sill and ran into the garden.

Middle English: from Old Norse 'sill' meaning 'plank, timber'.

window sill

The ledge beneath a window, typically for decoration or holding plants.

sill level

Refers to the height of the sill, often used in construction and design.

threshold

The bottom part of a doorway; also, the entrance to a place.

lintel

A horizontal support across the top of a door or window.

A person who is overly cautious or timid.

Don’t be such a sill—go talk to her!

To act in a silly or foolish manner.

Stop being a sill and get serious!