lean-to

American  

[leen-too] / ˈlinˌtu /

noun

plural

lean-tos

1. a shack or shed supported at one side by trees or posts and having an inclined roof.

2. a roof of a single pitch with the higher end abutting a wall or larger building.

3. a structure with such a roof.

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lean-to British  

noun

1. a roof that has a single slope with its upper edge adjoining a wall or building

2. a shed or outbuilding with such a roof

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Etymology

Origin of lean-to

1425–75; late Middle English; noun use of verb phrase lean to

Example Sentences

Her likeness, hauled down in the war’s first year, is now boxed up in a black lean-to outside the damaged art museum.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2024

There were personal belongings and tarps at the scene, and a lean-to built from local logs over a firepit.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 12, 2023

Before impending nuclear annihilation, a husband paints the windows white and builds a lean-to shelter while his wife frets about his staining the curtains and marking the wallpaper.

From New York Times • Aug. 10, 2022

At the start of the novel, Bran lives with her common-law stepfather and his family in a lean-to on their farm in indentured servitude.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2022

The sound of hammering meant Karl was already busy with a lean-to for the horses.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Related Words

• hut
• shack
• shanty