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Timber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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timber

[ˈtɪmbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

building material

Timber refers to wood that has been processed for use in construction or carpentry.

Synonyms

lumber, wood.

Examples of usage

  • The house was built using timber sourced from sustainable forests.
  • The furniture was crafted from solid timber for durability.
Context #2 | Noun

forest industry

Timber can also refer to trees that are grown and harvested for commercial use.

Synonyms

forestry, timberland.

Examples of usage

  • The timber industry is a major contributor to the local economy.
  • The company specializes in sustainable timber production.
Context #3 | Verb

to harvest trees

To timber means to cut down trees for wood production.

Synonyms

fell, harvest.

Examples of usage

  • The logging company timbered the forest for timber.
  • The practice of timbering requires sustainable forestry management.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Sustainable forestry practices can ensure that timber harvesting does not harm the environment, allowing forests to thrive.
  • Wood comes from trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, making timber a renewable resource that can help combat climate change.

Architecture

  • Timber has been a primary material in architecture for thousands of years, seen in structures like houses, bridges, and even temples.
  • Timber framing is a construction method using large wooden beams, important in historic buildings for its strength and flexibility.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have traditional crafts involving timber, from Japanese joinery to Scandinavian log cabins, reflecting local materials and climate.
  • In Indigenous cultures around the world, timber is often used in traditional craftsmanship, such as totem poles and canoes.

Economic Impact

  • Timber is a major industry worldwide, providing jobs in forestry, manufacturing, and construction.
  • The trade of timber contributes significantly to the economy, especially in regions rich in forests, influencing local and global markets.

Origin of 'timber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'timber' comes from the Old French term 'timber', meaning 'building', which has roots in the Latin word 'timberis'.
  • In Middle English, 'timber' referred to not just wood but also to the construction of buildings made from that wood.

The word 'timber' has its origins in Old English 'timber', meaning 'building materials, trees, wood'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to wood used in construction and the practice of harvesting trees for commercial purposes. The timber industry has played a significant role in shaping economies and landscapes around the world.

See also: timberland, timberman.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,640, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.