sliding
A window that opens by moving sideways along a groove or track, including tracks with a curved starting section.
A sliding window is a window which opens and closes by being moved sideways along a groove or track. Sliding window units are usually built so that only one half can be opened at a time, while the movable pane slides behind or in front of a fixed pane. Alternately they can be built to slide into a wall, or completely out of the way on a curved track. Normally a sliding window has a straight track, and is positioned slightly off the line of the fixed pane, but in some cases the two panes are aligned, and the track curves at the beginning so the movable part can shift course before moving sideways.
The movable pane can overlap another pane, enter a wall, or move fully clear. A fixed second pane and a half-opening limit are common arrangements, not mandatory ones.
A curved beginning to the track can shift the pane into position before it travels sideways. A sash window instead opens by vertical sliding.
Related definitions
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awning
An openable window hinged at the top of its frame, with the pane swinging about that upper edge. -
casement
A window that swings from a side hinge, including diagonal sides closer to vertical than horizontal. -
continuous glazing
Fixed windows arranged side by side in long rows or on a continuous surface. -
glass brick
A window opening filled with glass masonry units mortared together, usually admitting light while obscuring clear views. -
hopper
An openable window hinged along its bottom edge, allowing the rest of the pane to swing about that edge. -
louvered
A window which is divided into multiple panes which swing open on parallel hinges. -
multi-lit
A window divided into a grid or another arrangement of smaller panes, most of which cannot be opened. -
no windows
A structure without facade windows for light or views, while allowing glass doorways, skylights, and other non-window openings. -
picture
A fixed window filling its wall opening or sharing it with a few other panes, excluding long rows and many small divisions. -
sash
A window that opens by sliding vertically, usually with two panes that overlap when opened. -
stained-glass
A window containing colored glass, often in small panels, excluding clear or uniformly very lightly tinted multi-lit glazing. -
tilt
An openable window hinged in the middle, rotating about either a horizontal or a vertical central axis. -
tilt-turn
An openable window combining opening types so the user can choose between multiple axes of movement. -
unglazed window openings
Permanently open window apertures admitting light and views through a facade, with screens or no barrier.