noun

louver

LOO-vər

Quiz me More like this

Louver (noun) means a set of sloping, overlapping slats that let air and light through while keeping out rain. Example: “Sunlight filtered through the louvers on the shutters.”

noun

A set of sloping, overlapping slats that let air and light through while keeping out rain.

"Sunlight filtered through the louvers on the shutters."

"They fitted louvers over the vent to stop birds getting in."

"The wardrobe doors have wooden louvers instead of solid panels."

automotive A set of narrow slits, such as those in a car bonnet, that allow air to pass through for ventilation.

"Heat escaped through the louvers cut into the bonnet."

"The mechanic checked that the engine louvers weren't blocked with dirt."

"Custom louvers were added to the hood for extra cooling."

How to use louver

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA louver is a set of angled slats or slits that let air and light in but keep rain and dust out.

When to use it

Louvre is the more usual spelling in British English, while louver is the standard American spelling.

Memory tip

Watch the spelling: louver the vent is not the same word as the Louvre museum, even though they look alike.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Louvre →

Common pairings

window louvers shutter louvers louvered doors engine louvers

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like louver.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “louver” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Sunlight filtered through the _____ on the shutters.

Etymology

Louver was inherited from Middle English lover, itself from Old French lovier or lover meaning skylight. That French word traces back to Medieval Latin, and further back it is probably of Germanic origin, linked to a Frankish word for a shelter.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

louvre fin

Related words

five fin Abe phoebe Louvre quintet pentad cinque

Rhymes for louver

maneuver Vancouver

See all rhymes for louver →

Frequently asked questions

What is a louver used for?

It lets air and light pass through an opening while keeping out rain, and is common in shutters, vents and doors.

Is louver the same as louvre?

Yes, louvre is mainly the British spelling of the same word, though louver is also widely used.

Are louvers only used in buildings?

No, the term is also used for ventilation slits in vehicles, such as those cut into a car bonnet.

What is the meaning of louver?

"louver" (noun) means a set of sloping, overlapping slats that let air and light through while keeping out rain.

People also searched

five fin Abe phoebe Louvre quintet pentad cinque