Stilt: meaning, definitions and examples

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stilt

 

[ stษชlt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

building support

A stilt is a tall, slender support used to elevate a structure above ground level, often found in marshy or flood-prone areas. They are commonly used in architecture to raise buildings away from water and prevent damage during flooding. Stilts help in providing stability and also aid in ventilation beneath the building. This architectural feature is prevalent in various cultures, particularly in seaside constructions and traditional homes in Asia.

Synonyms

column, post, support

Examples of usage

  • The house was built on stilts to avoid flooding.
  • Many stilt houses can be found in coastal regions.
  • The fishermen often construct their huts on stilts.
  • The artist created a sculpture supported by stilts.
Context #2 | Noun

walking aids

Stilts are also devices used by performers and artists to give the illusion of great height during performances or parades. They are typically made of lightweight materials for ease of movement and can be adjusted for various performer heights. Performers on stilts engage in acrobatics and often draw attention with their towering stature.

Synonyms

poles, supports

Examples of usage

  • The clown walked on stilts to entertain the children.
  • Stilt walkers were a highlight of the festival.
  • She practiced her balance on stilts for the performance.
  • The parade featured several characters on stilts.

Translations

Translations of the word "stilt" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น perna de pau

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคฒเคพ เคนเฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stelze

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tiang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะฟะพั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stilt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ซ˜่ถณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ zanco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tahta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง๋š

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุนุงู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kolo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kolรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”ฏๆŸฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stebro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรบlur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะพาฃา“ะฐะปะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dayaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ zanco

Word origin

The word 'stilt' originates from the Middle English term 'stilte', which is derived from Old Norse 'stilta'. The Old Norse word referred to a pole or post. Over time, the term evolved, and by the late 15th century, it was used in architectural contexts to describe structures raised above the ground using vertical supports. The practical function of stilts in construction has remained important through the ages, particularly in flood-prone or marshy environments. Additionally, the use of stilts in performative contexts has evolved, reflecting cultural traditions and the human capacity for play and entertainment.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,762 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.