masonry
MAY-suhn-ree
/ˈmeɪ.sən.ri/
Structure built from individual units such as stone, brick, or concrete blocks, bound together by mortar.
Refers both to the physical finished structure and to the skilled craft of building with stone or mineral units.
The story behind the word. Traced back to Germanic roots (*makōn, meaning 'to make or build'), the word entered Middle English through Anglo-Norman French. It originally denoted skilled artisans who carved and set fieldstones to create medieval fortresses and cathedrals.
Word relationships
- stonework: Stonework refers strictly to natural rock units, whereas masonry includes clay bricks and concrete blocks.
- brickwork: Brickwork specifies clay or shale bricks, whereas masonry covers all mineral construction units.
- carpentry: Carpentry involves shaping and assembling timber and wood products rather than mineral units.
Commonly confused with
- stonework: Stonework uses natural rock, while masonry includes manufactured bricks and concrete masonry units.
Word family
- mason (noun): A tradesperson skilled in building with stone, brick, or concrete.
- masonic (adjective): Relating to masons or masonry construction.
Collocations
- load-bearing masonry
- structural masonry
- stone masonry
- masonry wall
Example sentences
- "The historic building features heavy exterior masonry that has withstood harsh weather for over a century." Architectural Design
- "Engineers evaluated the load-bearing masonry to ensure the wall could support additional floor levels." Structural Inspection
Memory hook
Think of a MASON making a sturdy stone structure. Masonry = built from stone or brick.
When not to use
Do not use to describe wooden framing, metal studwork, or drywall assembly.
Fun facts
- The Great Wall of China is the longest masonry structure ever constructed by human hands.
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