timber
TIM-ber
/ˈtɪm.bər/
Wood that is prepared or suitable for use in building and carpentry; standing trees suitable for lumber.
Refers specifically to wood as a raw structural material or growing forest designated for harvesting, rather than firewood or decorative wood.
The story behind the word. In Old English, 'timber' originally meant 'building' or 'house'. Over the centuries, the word shifted from the constructed building itself to the raw wooden logs and standing trees harvested to build it.
Word relationships
- lumber: Lumber usually refers to timber that has already been sawed into boards, whereas timber can refer to standing trees or raw logs.
- wood: Wood is a general term for the substance, whereas timber specifically implies structural or commercial usability.
- sapling: A young tree not yet thick or mature enough to provide usable wood.
Commonly confused with
- timbre: 'Timber' is wood material; 'timbre' refers to the unique quality or color of a musical sound or voice.
Word family
- timbered (adjective): Constructed with or rich in timber trees.
Collocations
- timber frame
- standing timber
- timber industry
- harvest timber
Idioms & expressions
- shiver my timbers (archaic nautical exclamation)
Example sentences
- "The Pacific Northwest remains a major exporter of high-grade timber for housing construction." Forestry trade and industry
- "They brought down timber from the mountains to build the great ships." Classic literature citation
Memory hook
Think of a lumberjack yelling 'TIMBER!' as a tall tree falls down to become building wood. TIMBER = Trees harvested for Building.
When not to use
Do not use 'timber' to refer to processed paper pulp or small twigs.
Fun facts
- In British and Australian English, people shout 'Timber!' when a tree falls, but in UK English, 'timber' also refers to structural wooden beams in houses.
Related words
Explore more words
raw materials, Deforestation, load-bearing, biomass, canopy, renewable
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