grille

noun

ˈgril 

variants or grill

1

: a grating forming a barrier or screen

especially : an ornamental one at the front end of an automobile

2

: an opening covered with a grille

3

usually grill : a set of metallic covers for the teeth

Examples of grille in a Sentence

The vent was covered with a grille.

The truck has a large metal grille at the front.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s no grille between the headlights, but the nose of the EX90 features the traditional Volvo logo, and the brand’s slanted Iron Mark is notched into the vehicle’s snout behind it. —Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025

The model is designed with a distinctive rear spoiler, front grille, headlights, and realistic interior details. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

But couldn’t the manufacturer have offered an attractive front grille? —James Raia, The Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2024

Pixels dress up the front grille, spanning the hood in a light bar, and framing the rear lift gate. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French grille, from Old French graille, from Latin craticula, diminutive of cratis wickerwork — more at hurdle

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

grille

noun

variants or grill

ˈgril 

1

: a grating forming a barrier or screen

2

: an opening covered with a grille