Lumber: meaning, definitions and examples

In American English, 'lumber' often refers to processed wood that is used for building and construction purposes. It usually implies wood that has been cut to specific sizes and shapes, like planks or boards.

• They went to the store to buy some lumber for the new deck.
• The lumber was stacked neatly at the construction site.

In British English, 'timber' is the term commonly used for wood prepared for use in building and carpentry. It can also refer to trees that are to be cut down and processed into wood products. It has a more general meaning than 'lumber'.

• The house was built using high-quality timber.
• Forests provide a steady supply of timber for various industries.

Wood is the general term for the material from trees, regardless of whether it has been processed. It can refer to the raw material in natural form, as well as in everyday items. It is more broad and can be used in various contexts.

• She carved a beautiful sculpture out of wood.
• They gathered wood for the fireplace.

In American English, it also refers to wood that has been cut into boards or planks, often used in construction.

• We need to buy some lumber to fix the fence
• The store sells different types of lumber

Used when someone trips or loses their balance while walking or running. It often implies a temporary or unexpected loss of stability.

• She stumbled over the loose rock on the path
• He stumbled but quickly regained his balance

Describes walking slowly and with heavy steps, usually because of exhaustion or difficult conditions.

• After a long day, she trudged home in the rain
• The hikers trudged through the deep snow