Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ventilation structure: A louvre is one of a set of parallel, horizontal slats or strips, often angled, arranged in a door, window, or other opening to allow air or light to pass through while keeping out rain, direct sun, or unwanted sightlines.
   • A famous museum: The Louvre (capitalized) is a major and historic art museum in Paris, France, and a renowned global tourist attraction.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ventilation structure):
  • The old library had wooden louvres in its windows to control the airflow.
  • We adjusted the louvres on the air conditioner to direct the cool air upward.
• Noun (Museum):
  • Visiting the Louvre was the highlight of our trip to Paris.
  • The Louvre houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Architectural Context: In architecture and engineering, a "louvre" (or "louver") refers to a fixed or movable assembly designed for ventilation, sun shading, or equipment intake/exhaust.
  • The building's design features large louvres on the south facade for passive cooling.
• As a Proper Noun: When capitalized ("The Louvre"), it almost exclusively refers to the museum. It can be used metonymically to refer to the institution or its collection.
  • The Louvre announced a new exhibition of Renaissance drawings.

Variants and Related Words

• Louver (noun): An alternative, especially American English, spelling for the ventilation structure.
• Louvred / Louvered (adjective): Fitted with louvres.
  • The louvred doors provided privacy while allowing ventilation.
• Louvre window (noun phrase): A window fitted with louvres.
• Louvre blade (noun phrase): An individual slat within a louvre assembly.

Synonyms

• Ventilation slat: For the structural element.
• Art museum, gallery: For the institution (though "The Louvre" is a specific proper name).

Related Phrases

• Louvre panel: A larger section or unit containing louvres.
• Louvre system: An integrated set of louvres for a building's climate control.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary, non-proper noun meaning relates to a functional architectural component for managing air and light.
• The proper noun "The Louvre" refers specifically to the Musée du Louvre in Paris. Its use is distinct and should be capitalized.

Noun

1. one of a set of parallel slats in a door or window to admit air and reject rain
2. an art museum that is a famous tourist attraction in Paris