window

window — noun

1. A glass-covered opening in a wall, door, or vehicle that brings light and air in

1.nounA1
Definition

A glass-covered opening in a wall, door, or vehicle that brings light and air into a space and lets people look out at the world beyond.

Example

Rohan opened the bedroom window to let in some fresh air.

open + window to let in air

The kitchen window had a crack running from one corner to the other.

Common collocations
  • open a window
  • close a window
  • look out of the window
  • window frame
  • window pane
  • broken window

Usage Note

Often used with the prepositions 'through', 'out of', and 'from': look through the window, climb out of the window, watch from the window.

Common Mistakes

I looked the window and saw a bird.
I looked out of the window and saw a bird.
The preposition 'out of' is needed to indicate what you are looking through.

2. Something that allows you to observe, learn about, or understand a different sit

2.nounB2
Definition

Something that allows you to observe, learn about, or understand a different situation, culture, or way of life that you would not normally experience directly.

Example

The documentary gave viewers a window into life in rural Mongolia.

window into + noun phrase

Reading novels from other countries can be a window into unfamiliar cultures.

Common collocations
  • window into
  • offer a window into
  • provide a window into
Synonyms
  • glimpse

    A brief or partial view, less thorough than 'window'.

  • insight

    Focuses on the understanding gained rather than the means of gaining it.

  • perspective

    Emphasises a particular point of view rather than a way of learning.

Usage Note

Always followed by 'into' + noun phrase. This sense describes a way of gaining understanding, not a physical object you can touch.

3. A clear panel built into an envelope so the recipient information printed on the

3.nounB1
Definition

A clear panel built into an envelope so the recipient information printed on the enclosed document is visible through it.

Example

The utility bill arrived in an envelope with a transparent window.

envelope with a transparent window

Christopher could read his name through the window of the envelope.

Common collocations
  • envelope window
  • transparent window
  • window envelope

4. The front glass area of a store together with the products arranged behind it to

4.nounB1
Definition

The front glass area of a store together with the products arranged behind it to attract the attention of people passing by on the street.

Example

The children pressed their faces against the toy shop window.

press face against + shop window

Élise admired the elegant wedding dresses displayed in the shop window.

Common collocations
  • shop window
  • window display
  • in the window
  • display in the window
Synonyms
  • display case

    A closed container with products inside, not necessarily part of a store front.

  • storefront

    Refers to the whole front area of a shop, including the entrance.

Usage Note

This sense refers to both the glass itself and the space behind it where products are shown. When describing just the physical glass of a store front, 'shop window' can also be used.

5. A rectangular section of a computer or phone display that shows the contents of

5.nounA2
Definition

A rectangular section of a computer or phone display that shows the contents of a program, file, or website and allows a person to reposition, enlarge, shrink, or close it.

Example

Wren opened a new browser window to search for cheap flights.

open a new browser window

A warning window appeared when Sade tried to delete the folder.

warning window appeared

Common collocations
  • open a window
  • close a window
  • browser window
  • pop-up window
  • chat window
  • minimize a window
Synonyms
  • dialog box

    A smaller window that asks the user to make a choice or enter information.

  • panel

    A section of the screen within a program that cannot usually be moved independently.

Usage Note

Different operating systems may use related terms such as 'panel', 'dialog box', or 'tab'. A 'pop-up window' opens automatically, often for advertisements or alerts.

Common Mistakes

I opened a new window in my browser to checking my email.
I opened a new window in my browser to check my email.
Use the base form of the verb after 'to' (infinitive), not the -ing form.

6. A limited stretch of time in which a particular action is possible or a favourab

6.nounB2
Definition

A limited stretch of time in which a particular action is possible or a favourable chance is present, after which the chance is no longer there.

Example

The team had a narrow window of opportunity to launch the product before Christmas.

narrow window of opportunity

Jason knew the window of opportunity for buying cheap shares would not last long.

Common collocations
  • window of opportunity
  • narrow window
  • short window
  • weather window
  • window for
Synonyms
  • opportunity

    A general term; 'window' emphasises that the opportunity is time-limited.

  • opening

    Suggests a chance to start something, often less time-pressured than 'window'.

  • slot

    A specific scheduled period, often used for appointments or bookings.

Usage Note

Most commonly used in the fixed collocation 'window of opportunity'. Can also appear as 'window for [action]' followed by a gerund: 'window for applying', 'window for booking'.

Common Mistakes

The window for apply closes next week.
The window for applying closes next week.
'For' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not the base form of the verb.
Idioms

fly/go out (of) the window

idiom

Something that was planned or expected is suddenly lost or no longer possible.

When the storm hit, our picnic plans went out the window.

Did all your good intentions fly out the window when you saw the cake?

Common collocations

Nouns

  • window frame
  • window pane
  • window seat

Prepositions

  • out of the window
  • through the window
  • in the window