Grille

ɡrɪl

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An ornamental screen or framework, often made of bars or a mesh, used to cover an opening or to serve as a decorative feature.

ɡrɪl

nounneutralBeginner
General

An ornamental screen for the front of a vehicle or building

The car's grille was damaged in the accident.

💡 Simply: Imagine the fancy metal bars on the front of a car or covering a window. That's a grille! It's like a stylish fence.

👶 For kids: A grille is like a fancy gate made of metal bars that protects or decorates something.

More Examples

2

The building's windows were protected by an ornate iron grille.

3

The air conditioning unit's grille needs to be cleaned regularly.

How It's Used

Automotive

"The car's chrome grille gleamed in the sunlight."

Architecture

"A decorative wrought-iron grille protected the windows of the building."

2

A framework of bars in a stove or oven that is used for broiling food.

ɡrɪl

nounneutralmedium
General

A framework of bars in a stove or oven for broiling food

Place the steak directly on the grille for a delicious char.

💡 Simply: This is the part of an oven where you cook things by placing them on the rack, and the heat comes from above. Think of it like a mini-campfire inside your oven.

👶 For kids: It is the rack where you put food in the oven to cook.

More Examples

2

The oven's grille provides intense heat from the top.

3

Make sure to clean the grille after each use to prevent buildup.

How It's Used

Cooking

"We need to preheat the oven's grille before putting in the meat."

Tip:Think of the heat source that broils food in the oven; it's often called a 'grille'.

From French 'grille' meaning a grating, a gridiron, or a frame of bars. It ultimately derives from Latin 'craticula', a diminutive of 'cratis', meaning hurdle or wickerwork.

The word 'grille' has been used since the 18th century, initially referring to decorative screens.

Memory tip

Think of the decorative bars on the front of a car – that's a grille!

Base: grille
grillgreel

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written