westwork Definition
- 1a monumental entrance or western facade of a medieval church or cathedral
- 2a tower or towers built at the western end of a church
Using westwork: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "westwork" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The westwork of the cathedral was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Example
The westwork of the church was added in the 12th century.
westwork Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for westwork
- western facade
- western entrance
- western tower
Phrases with westwork
eastwork
the eastern end of a church, usually containing the altar
Example
The eastwork of the church was decorated with beautiful stained glass windows.
a type of westwork found in Romanesque architecture, characterized by its massive size and square towers
Example
The romanesque westwork of the abbey was an impressive sight.
a type of westwork found in Gothic architecture, characterized by its elaborate decoration and pointed arches
Example
The gothic westwork of the cathedral was a masterpiece of engineering and design.
Origins of westwork
from Middle Low German 'westwerc', meaning 'western work'
Summary: westwork in Brief
A 'westwork' [west-wurk] is a monumental entrance or western facade of a medieval church or cathedral. It can also refer to a tower or towers built at the western end of a church. The term is often used in conjunction with 'eastwork,' which refers to the eastern end of a church. Examples of westwork include the romanesque and gothic styles, characterized by their size, decoration, and architectural features.
