grille

noun

ˈgril How to pronounce grille (audio)
variants or grill
Synonyms of grille
1
: a grating forming a barrier or screen
especially : an ornamental one at the front end of an automobile
2
: an opening covered with a grille
3
usually grill : a set of metallic covers for the teeth

Examples of grille in a Sentence

The vent was covered with a grille. The truck has a large metal grille at the front.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the bedroom has no return air grille, closing the door can trap air and mess with airflow. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 13 June 2026 Making sure supply vents and return grilles are free of obstructions. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 The bottom features a physical SIM card slot, a USB-C port, and a speaker grille. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 On the outside the new face of the CLA is inflected with tri-star icons and glowing new tri-star headlights—a detail that denotes newer and fancier models—with a large Mercedes logo anchoring the grille. — Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grille

Word History

Etymology

French grille, from Old French graille, from Latin craticula, diminutive of cratis wickerwork — more at hurdle

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grille was in 1686

Rhymes for grille

See All Rhymes for grille

Browse Nearby Words

grill car
grille
grilled cheese
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grille.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grille. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grille

noun
variants or grill
ˈgril How to pronounce grille (audio)
1
: a grating forming a barrier or screen
2
: an opening covered with a grille

More from Merriam-Webster on grille

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grille

Nglish: Translation of grille for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grille

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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