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picture window

picture window

9 3.8
A large fixed window made of one big piece of glass that gives a clear view outside
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪk.tʃər ˈwɪn.doʊ/
translation icon : ventana panorámica
  • The picture window in the dining room frames a stunning view of the sunrise over the mountains.
  • a picture window view
  • a large picture window

Examples

  • When Sawyer looked out the broad picture window, he noticed that it was snowing again.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • The view through the big picture window is entirely normal again: the cityscape by night.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • We had a tree come through the picture window last night, right in my studio.

  • I want a picture window in my place.

  • The lights in the room are turned down, and outside the picture window, the stars really are beautiful.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Behind it was a long picture window looking out over the city.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • John, come and have a look out this fabulous picture window.

  • Thought I'd put the bedroom back over in here in the front of the house so we can wake up every morning and look out that old picture window and watch the sun come up.

  • I strolled over to the large picture window to admire the view.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • The breakfast area faced a large picture window overlooking the wooded backyard and the bird feeder.

    Fiction book (1990)

How Big

bay window
8 3.1
picture window
9 3.8
skylight
35 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

picture + window

The compound combines 'picture' (an image) and 'window' (an opening with glass) in a straightforward noun–noun composition: a window that frames a view like a picture. This is a regular, compositional naming pattern (a window that looks like or presents a picture-like scene), so a B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Picture window is named because a large window frames the outside like a picture, making the scene look like a painting. So it means a big, fixed window that gives a clear 'view' of the outside.