timber

[ tim-ber ]

noun

1. the wood of growing trees suitable for structural uses.
2. growing trees themselves.
3. wooded land.
4. wood, especially when suitable or adapted for various building purposes.
5. a single piece of wood forming part of a structure or the like:

   A timber fell from the roof.

6. Nautical. (in a ship's frame) one of the curved pieces of wood that spring upward and outward from the keel; rib.
7. personal character or quality:

   He's being talked up as presidential timber.

8. Sports. a wooden hurdle, as a gate or fence, over which a horse must jump in equestrian sports.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with timber.
2. to support with timber.

verb (used without object)

1. to fell timber, especially as an occupation.

interjection

1. a lumberjack's call to warn those in the vicinity that a cut tree is about to fall to the ground.

timber

/ ˈtɪmbə /

noun

1. 1. wood, esp when regarded as a construction material Usual US and Canadian wordlumber
   2. ( as modifier )

      a timber cottage

2. 1. trees collectively
   2. woodland
3. a piece of wood used in a structure
4. nautical a frame in a wooden vessel
5. potential material, for a post, rank, etc

   he is managerial timber

verb

1. tr to provide with timbers

interjection

1. a lumberjack's shouted warning when a tree is about to fall

Other Words From

• timber·less adjective
• timber·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timber¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English: originally, “house, building material, wood, trees”; cognate with German Zimmer “room,” Old Norse timbr “timber”; akin to Gothic timrjan “to build,” Greek démein “to build,” dómos “house,” Latin domus “house,” Slavic ( Polish ) dom, “house, home,” Sanskrit dáma- “house, building”; dome

Word History and Origins

Origin of timber¹

Old English; related to Old High German zimbar wood, Old Norse timbr timber, Latin domus house

Example Sentences

But if it has been used inappropriately or installed poorly, it might put stress on timbers, restrict air circulation and put them at risk of decaying.

From BBC

The world's first wood-panelled satellite has been launched into space to test the suitability of timber as a renewable building material in future exploration of destinations like the Moon and Mars.

From BBC

The intent of Trump allies to open the property to timber harvest is just part of a “scorched-earth policy with regard to all public lands,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Several potential merchant marks have been found on some of the timbers.

From BBC

Among the recipients were the Hoopa Valley Tribe, which received funding to help reacquire about 10,300 acres of their lands in the Klamath River watershed that were formerly being managed by a timber trust.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• forest
• hardwood
• log

More About Timber

What does timber mean?

Timber refers to wood used for building materials.

Timber can be used to refer to wood at different stages of processing. Sometimes, it refers to the trees in a wooded area that will be cut for use. Other times, it means trees that have already been cut down but not yet processed into planks and other forms to build with. And other times it refers to the wood after it has been processed (a more common word for this is lumber).

Timber is most commonly used as a mass noun, meaning it is a singular noun that refers to multiple things and does not get pluralized.

Example: Those trucks are bringing freshly cut timber to the mill.

Where does timber come from?

If you cut open the word timber and count the rings inside, you’ll find that it’s a very old word—it’s been in use since at least the 900s. It comes from an Old English word that originally meant “house” or “building material.” It is related to the Old Norse word timbr (which has the same meaning) and the Greek word demein (meaning “to build”).

Timber usually refers to wood for building materials, but its specific definition varies slightly from place to place. In the United States and Canada, timber is used to describe trees that have been cut down but haven’t yet been processed into planks or boards (which are called lumber). In the United Kingdom and Australia, timber is the word used for any wood that will be used in construction.

Of course, shouting timber! is also a fun way to warn people that a tree is falling or about to fall. It has been used this way since at least the 1910s.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of timber?

• timbery (adjective)
• timberless (adjective)

What are some synonyms for timber?

• lumber
• wood

What are some words that share a root or word element with timber? 

 

• timbered 
• timberwork
• timberjack

What are some words that often get used in discussing timber?

• tree
• forestry
• building
• material
• logging
• logger
• woodcutter
• lumberjack

What are some words timber may be commonly confused with?

• timbre

How is timber used in real life?

Timber is most commonly used in the context of forestry and logging, but its use varies depending on location. In all cases, it usually refers to wood that will be used for building material.

Outside of the timber industry there is a skills and knowledge gap of timber and timber products, but us and the @thettfregions are changing this by taking the lead at colleges and universities across the UK to educate students and teachers. Link: https://t.co/s5mQ6OUVR9 pic.twitter.com/vVeRX5fp9J

— Timber Trade Federation (@TimberTradeFed) February 21, 2020

Our Dutch partner loading out a 41m Hard Wood timber bridge today – 91 tonnes! Amazing work 👍#WeAreBridge pic.twitter.com/KUVt3G1Hvv

— Beaver Bridges (@BridgesBeaver) February 14, 2020

I have a box of donuts,,,but when I bought it (in coles) was a quik sale.. 12 for $ 6 dollar is cheap.. but now they are hard like timber

— juan miranda (@juaremi) April 22, 2011

 

 

Try using timber!

Which of the following things can be called timber?

A. growing trees that have not been cut
B. logs that have not been processed into wood planks
C. wood planks
D. all of the above