finial

noun

fin·​i·​al ˈfi-nē-əl How to pronounce finial (audio)
1
: a usually foliated ornament forming an upper extremity especially in Gothic architecture
2
: a crowning ornament or detail (such as a decorative knob)

Examples of finial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Look at the design of the shelters at the stations, with their bold stanchions, curved roofs surmounted by heavy finials. Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 For tree finial, cut two 4-inch circles from yellow-green burlap. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2023 On a hill were two mounds of sand and rock with stone finials, connected by a beam that was wrapped in the blue prayer cloths. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 The interplay of forms linear, zigzagged and curved (including decorative finials), smooth and sharp edged, in Dawn’s Wedding Chapel II can keep eye and mind occupied for quite a while. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2023 Inspired by an antique architectural finial, this tree's silver topper is a nod to the Southern cottages and historic homes that dot our rural landscape. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2023 String the wood finials onto the remaining rope at the top. Mallory Abreu, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 There’s outdoor space aplenty: a walled backyard, a roof with views, and a front garden with an original ironwork fence whose finials mimic pinecones. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 21 Apr. 2023 Drapery finials were turned into new door knobs for Parisian flair. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 26 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from final, finial final

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near finial

Cite this Entry

“Finial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finial. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on finial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!