English Reference
noun · verb

sash

n. · v.
US /ˈsæʃ/ UK /sˈæʃ/ sash UK spelling sashes

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a long strip of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder, often for a uniform or a formal event.

    n.a long band of fabric worn around the waist or diagonally across the chest for ceremonial, decorative, or military purposes.

    Simple

    The beauty queen wore a silk sash with the name of her country on it.

    In context

    The officer's ceremonial uniform was completed by a crimson sash draped elegantly from the right shoulder to the left hip.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the frame that holds the glass in a window, especially one that slides up and down.

    n.the framework, either fixed or movable, in which the panes of a window are set.

    Simple

    He had to paint the wooden sash before putting the glass back in.

    In context

    The historic building featured original timber sashes that required specialized restoration to ensure they would slide smoothly without sticking.

    framecasement
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.a sliding glass door on a lab hood that protects people from chemicals.

    n.a transparent, movable barrier on a laboratory fume hood designed to protect the user from hazardous fumes or splashes.

    Simple

    Always keep the fume hood sash at the correct height while doing your experiment.

    In context

    Safety protocols dictate that the sash must be lowered to the marked level to maintain proper airflow and containment within the hood.

    Usage

    Commonly used in chemistry and laboratory safety contexts.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    n.a bar on a computer screen that you can drag to change the size of two windows.

    n.a draggable graphical element used to adjust the relative dimensions of adjacent panes within a windowing system.

    Simple

    Drag the vertical sash to the left to see more of the file list.

    In context

    The user interface allows for flexible layouts by providing sashes between the code editor and the console output.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Literary

    v.to put a sash on someone or something.

    v.to adorn or furnish with a sash.

    Simple

    The graduates were sashed by the dean during the ceremony.

    In context

    The interior designer decided to sash the heavy velvet curtains with gold braided rope to match the room's ornate theme.

    adorngird

Justus Kelley, who represented Virginia, was crowned on Thursday night in Miami, marking the first time the pageant has ever put the winning sash around a wife and mother.

Toronto Sun· 28 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From Arabic شَاش (šāš, “muslin cloth”).

Etymology 2

From sashes, from French châssis (“frame (of a window or door)”), taken as a plural and -s trimmed off by the late 17th century. See also chassis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Arabic شَاش
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated