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timber
[ tim-ber ]
noun
- the wood of growing trees suitable for structural uses.
- growing trees themselves.
- wooded land.
- wood, especially when suitable or adapted for various building purposes.
- a single piece of wood forming part of a structure or the like:
A timber fell from the roof.
- Nautical. (in a ship's frame) one of the curved pieces of wood that spring upward and outward from the keel; rib.
- personal character or quality:
He's being talked up as presidential timber.
- Sports. a wooden hurdle, as a gate or fence, over which a horse must jump in equestrian sports.
verb (used with object)
- to furnish with timber.
- to support with timber.
verb (used without object)
- to fell timber, especially as an occupation.
interjection
- a lumberjack's call to warn those in the vicinity that a cut tree is about to fall to the ground.
timber
/ ˈtɪmbə /
noun
- wood, esp when regarded as a construction material Usual US and Canadian wordlumber
- ( as modifier )
a timber cottage
- trees collectively
- woodland
- a piece of wood used in a structure
- nautical a frame in a wooden vessel
- potential material, for a post, rank, etc
he is managerial timber
verb
- tr to provide with timbers
interjection
- a lumberjack's shouted warning when a tree is about to fall
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Other Words From
- timber·less adjective
- timber·y adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of timber1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of timber1
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Example Sentences
Here in Alaska, many moose hunters frequent old burned timber stands, and these are littered with dead small trees and debris that can damage an ATV pretty easily if you’re not careful.
It also would reinstate timber severance taxes, which are based on the value of the trees that are logged.
His bill died after the timber industry opposed defunding the institute.
In a story published in June, the three news organizations found that the state’s largest timber companies received billions of dollars in tax cuts since the 1990s.
At the same time a surge in home renovations and do-it-yourself home projects during the pandemic—just look at the earnings of Home Depot and Lowe’s—and rebounding home construction have increased the demand for timber.
“The Americans were a tool, used by the Safis in the Pech to rid them of their competition in the timber trade,” Zalwar Khan said.
Despite the trade officially being banned, he explains, timber was still locally harvested and sold.
With a lot of forethought, he wields an 8-pound maul through timber.
Though the company imports its wood from a timber supplier, they cut and process it.
One outfitter found a camp in timber—a Nichols camp, with a fresh three-rock campfire.
The moment the bait was touched, down would come the heavy timber—smash—on the tiger's head.
I pulled up and glanced about, but the clumps of scrubby timber were just plentiful enough to cut off a clear view of the flat.
The case was fixed over the engine-shaft on two beams of timber from wall to wall.
It is like the eating of a smothered fire into rotten timber in that it is noiseless and without haste.
There was then a great deal of old timber about the place and a long avenue of oaks, besides three large cherry orchards.
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More About Timber
What does timber mean?
Timber refers to wood used for building materials.
Timber can be used to refer to wood at different stages of processing. Sometimes, it refers to the trees in a wooded area that will be cut for use. Other times, it means trees that have already been cut down but not yet processed into planks and other forms to build with. And other times it refers to the wood after it has been processed (a more common word for this is lumber).
Timber is most commonly used as a mass noun, meaning it is a singular noun that refers to multiple things and does not get pluralized.
Example: Those trucks are bringing freshly cut timber to the mill.
Where does timber come from?
If you cut open the word timber and count the rings inside, you’ll find that it’s a very old word—it’s been in use since at least the 900s. It comes from an Old English word that originally meant “house” or “building material.” It is related to the Old Norse word timbr (which has the same meaning) and the Greek word demein (meaning “to build”).
Timber usually refers to wood for building materials, but its specific definition varies slightly from place to place. In the United States and Canada, timber is used to describe trees that have been cut down but haven’t yet been processed into planks or boards (which are called lumber). In the United Kingdom and Australia, timber is the word used for any wood that will be used in construction.
Of course, shouting timber! is also a fun way to warn people that a tree is falling or about to fall. It has been used this way since at least the 1910s.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms of timber?
- timbery (adjective)
- timberless (adjective)
What are some synonyms for timber?
What are some words that share a root or word element with timber?
What are some words that often get used in discussing timber?
What are some words timber may be commonly confused with?
How is timber used in real life?
Timber is most commonly used in the context of forestry and logging, but its use varies depending on location. In all cases, it usually refers to wood that will be used for building material.
Outside of the timber industry there is a skills and knowledge gap of timber and timber products, but us and the @thettfregions are changing this by taking the lead at colleges and universities across the UK to educate students and teachers. Link: https://t.co/s5mQ6OUVR9 pic.twitter.com/vVeRX5fp9J
— Timber Trade Federation (@TimberTradeFed) February 21, 2020
Our Dutch partner loading out a 41m Hard Wood timber bridge today – 91 tonnes! Amazing work 👍#WeAreBridge pic.twitter.com/KUVt3G1Hvv
— Beaver Bridges (@BridgesBeaver) February 14, 2020
I have a box of donuts,,,but when I bought it (in coles) was a quik sale.. 12 for $ 6 dollar is cheap.. but now they are hard like timber
— juan miranda (@juaremi) April 22, 2011
Try using timber!
Which of the following things can be called timber?
A. growing trees that have not been cut
B. logs that have not been processed into wood planks
C. wood planks
D. all of the above
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