What does "fanlight" mean?

A semicircular or semioval window over a door or other window, normally having a fan-like structure of ribs; sometimes hinged to the transom.

What is a synonym for "fanlight"?

Common synonyms include: bay, bay window, casement, dormer, grille, lantern.

noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A semicircular or semioval window over a door or other window, normally having a fan-like structure of ribs; sometimes hinged to the transom.
"One house, however, second from the corner, was still occupied entire; and at the door of this, which wore a great air of wealth and comfort, though it was now plunged in darkness except for the fan-light, Mr. Utterson stopped and knocked. A well-dressed, elderly servant opened the door."
2
a semicircular window over a door or window; usually has sash bars like the ribs of a fan wordnet
3
An electric fan, usually a ceiling fan, that is also a light fixture.
4
a window in a roof to admit daylight wordnet
5
a window above a door that is usually hinged to a horizontal crosspiece over the door wordnet

"Holmes’ cold, thin fingers closed round my wrist and led me forwards down a long hall, until I dimly saw the murky fanlight over the door."

From fan + light (“window”).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.