What does sash mean?
A sash is a long strip of fabric worn around the body, usually at the waist or over one shoulder, and it may serve as a decorative accessory or indicate membership, rank, or office. The word also has a long-established architectural meaning: a sliding frame that holds the panes of a window. In this sense, a sash window consists traditionally of two vertically sliding frames, each of which is itself called a sash. The expression sash cord refers to the cord or mechanism used to raise or lower one of these frames. A sash can therefore describe both an item of clothing and a structural part of a building. In general use, it is more common and more formal than terms such as belt or scarf when the object is decorative, ceremonial, or associated with a particular uniform or organization.
A band or strip of cloth worn around the waist, shoulder, or neck, often for decoration or to indicate rank or affiliation.
"The queen wore a gold sash over her ceremonial robes."
Often formal or ceremonial in modern usage.
A sliding frame for a window, especially one of the movable parts of a sash window.
"He carefully cleaned the glass in the upper sash."
This sense is especially common in British and American architectural and window-making contexts.
To fit or furnish something with a sash, especially a window or door.
"The old workshop sash the windows with narrow wooden frames."
This verb is relatively uncommon and sounds somewhat formal or technical.
The plural is formed by adding -es.
"The dancers wore bright sashes that moved as they spun."
A sash can mean either a strip of clothing or the sliding frame of a window, so the same word can describe what a person wears and what a house is built with.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sash come from?
The word comes through French sash, ultimately from Turkish şerit, meaning a strip, band, or ribbon. It was used in English from the sixteenth century for bands of cloth, including those worn as clothing. The architectural sense developed later from the idea of a sliding band or frame in a window.
Related word forms
How sash is actually used
In clothing, sash is relatively formal and often refers to a decorative or symbolic band. In architecture, sash is common in British and American English, especially in the expression sash window.