bird's mouth

noun

, Carpentry.

1. a right-angled notch cut in the underside of a rafter for fitting over a longitudinal member, as a wall plate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird's mouth¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Age-old construction techniques, like a “bird’s mouth” joint cut, securely bind the hefty beams.

From Washington Times

Dribs of a red-brown fluid leaked from the bird’s mouth when she tilted its carcass.

From The Guardian

As they try to yank a berry from a baby bird’s mouth, they crash to earth.

From New York Times

In the gap of the bird’s mouth, we can see just a hint of breath, a tiny drift of puffin-fog, suspended in the cold air.

From New York Times

A Canadian flag was stuck in the bird’s mouth, and hand-lettered signs were taped up reading “Congrats James” and “Big Maple with a no-hitter,” a reference to Paxton’s nickname, and the large maple leaf tattoo on his right forearm.

From Washington Times