tenon

[ ten-uhn ]

noun

1. a projection formed on the end of a timber or the like for insertion into a mortise of the same dimensions.

verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a tenon.
2. to join by or as by a tenon.
3. to join securely.

tenon

/ ˈtɛnən /

noun

1. the projecting end of a piece of wood formed to fit into a corresponding mortise in another piece

verb

1. to form a tenon on (a piece of wood)
2. to join with a tenon and mortise

Derived Forms

• ˈtenoner, noun

Other Words From

• tenon·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenon¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to ten ( ir ) to hold (< Latin tenēre ) + -on noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenon¹

C15: from Old French, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre

Example Sentences

Traditional names for the woodworks’ joints, such as “gooseneck mortise” and “two-stop tenon,” sound a little like Jazz Age cocktails or dance crazes.

From New York Times

Instead, posts and beams were fitted together with mortise and tenon joints.

From Washington Post

“The protruding tenons are clearing visible and the corresponding horizontal lintel stone would have had mortise holes for them to slot into. A bit like early Lego!”

From Fox News

The uprights and the lintels, both made of local sarsen stone, were locked together by means of a joint more commonly used in woodwork – the mortise and tenon.

From The Guardian

Woodwork with mortise and tenon joints, original and restored hardware and tile-faced fireplaces are found throughout the nearly 6,000 square feet of living space.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincide
• conform
• correspond
• harmonize
• jibe