vault
VAWLT
/vɔːlt/
A self-supporting arched structure made of brick, stone, or concrete, forming a ceiling or roof; also a secure chamber.
As an architectural element, it is an extended three-dimensional continuous arch forming a room ceiling.
The story behind the word. Tracing back to Latin 'volvere' (to turn or roll), vault entered Middle English from Old French. The physical action of curving or 'rolling' stone masonry over an open room created the vaulted ceilings characteristic of medieval cathedrals.
Word relationships
- arch: An arch is a two-dimensional curve across an opening; a vault extends an arch backward in space to form an entire ceiling surface.
- crypt: A crypt is a specific underground vault room used as a burial place or chapel.
Commonly confused with
- dome: A dome is a circular rounded hemisphere roof, while a vault is typically a continuous cylindrical arched tunnel or crossing ceiling.
Word family
- vaulted (adjective): Constructed with an arched ceiling.
Collocations
- barrel vault
- groin vault
- ribbed vault
- subterranean vault
Idioms & expressions
- vaulting ambition
Example sentences
- "The cathedral's soaring ribbed vault distributed roof weight down into outer buttresses." Gothic Architecture
- "Gold bullion was locked inside a heavily reinforced underground vault." Bank Security
Memory hook
A vault is built by 'rolling' (volvere) stone into a curved arch roof. Vault = Extended arched ceiling.
When not to use
Do not confuse a simple flat acoustic ceiling with a structural masonry vault.
Fun facts
- Gothic architects developed point-ribbed vaults, allowing medieval churches to grow dramatically taller with large glass windows.
Explore more words
masonry, cantilever, viaduct, load-bearing, mausoleum, buttress
Also appears in
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