grille

A grille, or grill, is a barrier or screen of bars, wires, or lattice that forms a grid capable of allowing air or light to pass while restricting access. Grilles are used for protection, ventilation, and decoration, and may be built into walls, doors, windows, vents, or machinery. The term can refer to both the structural member and the decorative pattern.

Architectural and industrial applications include window grills that deter intrusion, vent grilles that cover air intakes and exhausts, and radiator grilles that protect heating systems while guiding airflow. Grilles are made in materials such as wrought iron, steel, aluminum, or durable plastics, and may be welded, bolted, or cast as a single piece. Finishes range from powder coatings to corrosion-resistant plating.

Automotive grille: In automobiles, the grille is the frontal opening or cover that protects the radiator and engine and controls airflow. Grilles vary in style and function; they can be decorative, aerodynamic, or provide weight reduction. They may incorporate branding and safety features such as impact-absorbing structures.

Cooking grille: In cooking, a grille or grill is a device or surface with raised ridges used to sear food over heat, typically from charcoal, gas, or electric elements. Grilling produces grill marks and imparts a distinctive flavor from fat dripping onto heat. A grill pan is a home alternative to an outdoor grill.

Grille is often spelled grill in American English; grille is common in British English and in certain contexts. The word derives from the French grille, meaning a grid or grate.