English Reference

Word

fluted

Phoneticsflut·ed

UK/flˈuːtɪd/

Definition

adj. having long, thin grooves running down its surface, like some columns, glasses, or skirts.

adj. having straight, parallel grooves running along its length, as on a classical column, drinking glass, or pleated fabric.

Examples

“She drinks water from a tall fluted glass.”

“The new apartment has fluted kitchen cabinets that catch the light and make the small room feel taller.”

“The museum restored the fluted marble columns to their original sharpness, revealing how each groove was cut to play with shadow and light.”

Examples

simple

“She drinks water from a tall fluted glass.”

contextual

“The new apartment has fluted kitchen cabinets that catch the light and make the small room feel taller.”

complex

“The museum restored the fluted marble columns to their original sharpness, revealing how each groove was cut to play with shadow and light.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fluted” in context.

Adjective

01. beautifully fluted

“The cathedral entrance is framed by beautifully fluted stone columns.”

adv + adj

02. deeply fluted

“She held a deeply fluted glass that sparkled in the candlelight.”

adv + adj

03. finely fluted

“The museum displayed a finely fluted Roman vase from the second century.”

adv + adj

Noun

04. fluted column

“Each fluted column in the temple casts a sharp shadow at noon.”

adj + noun

05. fluted edge

“The pie has a fluted edge made by pressing the crust with a fork.”

adj + noun

06. fluted glass

“He served dessert in a small fluted glass with a silver spoon.”

adj + noun

07. fluted pillar

“A tall fluted pillar stood on either side of the main door.”

adj + noun

08. a classical fluted pillar

“The hotel lobby was decorated with a classical fluted pillar.”

09. a finely fluted stone rim

“The old fountain has a finely fluted stone rim worn smooth by time.”

10. a long fluted skirt

“She chose a long fluted skirt for the summer garden party.”

11. a tall fluted column

“A tall fluted column supports each corner of the museum portico.”

12. an elegant fluted glass

“They served champagne in an elegant fluted glass at the reception.”

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used after 'be' to describe shape.

Real-World Examples

“Its huge, fluted shell frames a soft mantle shimmering with electric blue, green and gold.”
Phys.org 4 Oct 2026
“The fluted glass bottle echoes the oval shape of the brand’s label, but it’s a little unsteady and got knocked over during the trial.”
The Guardian 9 Apr 2025

Synonyms

grooved

Antonyms

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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