sill

noun

ˈsil 

1

: a horizontal piece (such as a timber) that forms the lowest member or one of the lowest members of a framework or supporting structure: such as

a

: the horizontal member at the base of a window

b

: the threshold of a door

2

: a tabular body of igneous rock injected while molten between sedimentary or volcanic beds or along foliation planes of metamorphic rocks

3

: a submerged ridge at relatively shallow depth separating the basins of two bodies of water

Examples of sill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bigger icebergs get stuck on the sill, and other icebergs pile up behind them, in a great glacial traffic jam. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Bedrooms Window sills, baseboards, ceiling fan blades, and all surfaces of the bedroom should be dusted. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024

Behind her, two Loewe perfumes are perched on the window sill. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 4 Oct. 2024

Black eucalyptus adds an elevated twist to Halloween decor, whether used as a table centerpiece or resting on a window sill in your favorite vase. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sille, from Old English syll; akin to Old High German swelli beam, threshold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sill

noun

ˈsil 

1

: a horizontal piece (as a timber) that forms the lowest part of a supporting structure: as

a

: the horizontal piece at the base of a window

b

: the timber or stone at the foot of a door : threshold

2

: a flat mass of igneous rock injected while melted between other rocks