From Latin *ventus* ("wind") via the Late Latin derivative *ventana*, literally "a place where wind enters." The word replaced the classical Latin *fenestra* in Iberian Romance, making Spanish unusual compared to French *fenêtre* or Italian *finestra*, which kept the older form.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, windows — especially on ground floors — are often fitted with decorative iron grilles called *rejas*. These are so iconic in Andalusia that leaning on the *reja* to chat with a suitor became a celebrated courtship ritual known as *pelar la pava* (literally "to pluck the turkey"). Spotting *ventanas con rejas* is a quick visual cue that you're in, or inspired by, southern Spanish architecture.