valance

noun

va·​lance ˈva-lən(t)s How to pronounce valance (audio) ˈvā- How to pronounce valance (audio)
1
: a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf
2
: a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures
valanced
ˈva-lən(t)st How to pronounce valance (audio)
ˈvā-
adjective

Illustration of valance

Illustration of valance
  • V valance 1

Examples of valance in a Sentence

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.
Be sure to run it over tops of any valances, or in the draping or folds, as well as behind the curtains or blinds. — Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026 Big valances and heavy fabric can weigh the room down by blocking natural light, which can make the dining area look old-fashioned, Pauley says. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026 Instead, fabric covers the entirety of the headboard, and a small, upholstered valance hangs over the very top of the mattress. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025 Yelp project requests for valance and cornice installation have increased 100%. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for valance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French valence, probably from valer "to lower" + -ence, -ance -ance — more at vail

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of valance was in the 15th century

Rhymes for valance

See All Rhymes for valance

Browse Nearby Words

Valais
valance
valanced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

valance

noun
va·​lance ˈval-ən(t)s How to pronounce valance (audio) ˈvāl- How to pronounce valance (audio)
: a short drapery or wood or metal frame (as across the top of a window)

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Nglish: Translation of valance for Spanish Speakers

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