lintel

[ lin-tl ]

noun

1. a horizontal architectural member supporting the weight above an opening, as a window or a door.

lintel

/ ˈlɪntəl /

noun

1. a horizontal beam, as over a door or window

Word History and Origins

Origin of lintel¹

1350–1400; Middle English lyntel < Middle French lintel, dissimilated variant of *linter < Latin līmitāris originally, belonging to or indicating a boundary; later taken as synonym of līmināris originally, of the threshold. See limit, -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lintel¹

C14: via Old French probably from Late Latin līmitāris (unattested) of the boundary, influenced in meaning by līminaris of the threshold

Example Sentences

"One high-speed line for the west, one for the east and - across the fireplace - a lintel, Northern Powerhouse rail," he says.

From BBC

Finding a Miyake event in wood from a Mesoamerican structure—such as a lintel in the Maya temple Tikal in Guatemala, whose construction is recorded in the Long Count—would settle the matter.

From Science Magazine

He was tall enough to scrape the door’s lintel, his slate-blue eyes set in a long, lean face.

From Literature

True to Bailey’s word, the lintel above the door was adorned with a figurehead carved as a mermaid, flakes of green peeling from her tail.

From Literature

We ducked under a timber lintel and stepped inside.

From New York Times

Related Words

• girder
• joist
• piling
• pillar
• plank
• pole
• shaft
• sill
• timber