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window screen

window screen

1 2.3
A thin net that fits over a window to keep insects out while letting air in
  • noun
  • /ˈwɪndoʊ skriːn/
  • US
translation icon : mosquitera
  • She could feel the cool breeze through the window screen while enjoying the afternoon sun.
  • cut the window screen
  • old window screen

Examples

  • Through the window screen, I could see the shadow of the swing frame in the moonlit backyard.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Some leaves scuttled against the bottom of the window screen.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • "As we got ready to land, they made us put our window screens down.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Then I open the window screen halfway, curious about what's out there.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • There was a scratching at the window screen.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • I caught myself, turned to see Jimmy yanking out the window screen.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • A rat knocks over the window screen.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Before she wakes, she sees a black spider climb up her window screen.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • In the window screen, snowflakes lodged, then quickly faded.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Through the window screen, I could hear the sharp, clear blows of a hammer, like the ticking of a gigantic clock.

    Fiction book (1997)

Synonyms

screen
vswindow screen
334 2.3

A thin mesh that keeps bugs out while letting air in

is specifically for keeping insects out while allowing air to pass
screening
vswindow screen
1 3.9

A thin metal or plastic mesh used on windows and doors to keep insects out

focuses on keeping insects out while allowing air to pass through

How Protective

shutter
36 3.5
window screen
  • US
1 2.3
mosquito net
4 1.6

Surface Forms

window screen singular

Morphology

window + screen

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'window' (the opening) with 'screen' (a protective covering): a covering fitted to a window to protect while allowing airflow. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows ordinary English noun-noun compounding, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.

Etymology

Window screen is a simple, literal name: a screen fitted into a window so fresh air can come in but bugs cannot. So it means 'a mesh over a window that keeps insects out while letting air through'.