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Lumber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lumber

[หˆlสŒmbษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building material

Wood that has been prepared for use in construction

Synonyms

timber, wood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lumber

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.
timber

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

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.

Examples of usage

  • Lumber is commonly used for framing houses.
  • The carpenters stacked the lumber neatly in the workshop.
Context #2 | Verb

moving in a slow, heavy, awkward way

To move in a slow, heavy, awkward way

Synonyms

stumble, trudge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lumber

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
stumble

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
trudge

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

Examples of usage

  • He lumbered across the room with a heavy load on his back.
  • The bear lumbered through the forest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Industry

  • The lumber industry is pivotal in many economies, employing millions globally in harvesting, processing, and distribution.
  • Sustainable forestry practices are being adopted to ensure trees are replanted, helping to combat climate change.
  • Advancements in technology have improved lumber milling processes, allowing for more efficient wood production.

Environmental Impact

  • Deforestation for lumber can seriously harm ecosystems, leading to habitat loss for numerous animal species.
  • The use of reclaimed lumber helps reduce waste by repurposing wood from old buildings and furniture.
  • Innovative approaches, like engineered wood products, maximize the use of wood while minimizing environmental impact.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, lumber symbolizes strength and endurance, often used in traditional architecture.
  • Crafting with wood is a common art formโ€”woodworking has been a respected craft for centuries.
  • Folklore often celebrates lumberjacks as heroes, highlighting their connection to nature and hard work.

Science

  • Lumber's properties, like density and grain orientation, significantly affect its strength and use in structures.
  • Wood is a renewable resource, but scientific research is essential to develop practices that do not over-exploit forests.
  • The study of wood science enables better understanding of how different species of trees can be used for construction.

Origin of 'lumber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lumber' comes from the Old French word 'lombard', which means 'timber' or 'wood'.
  • In the 14th century, it referred to a place where wood was stored, evolving to describe the wood itself.
  • Originally, the term included unwanted items in a house, later shifting focus to wood used for construction.

The word 'lumber' has its origin in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'lombre' meaning a piece of wood. It has been used to refer to wood prepared for construction since the 14th century. Over time, the verb form 'lumber' also developed, indicating moving in a slow, heavy manner. Today, 'lumber' is commonly used in the context of construction and heavy, awkward movement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,584, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.