stonework

American  

[stohn-wurk] / ˈstoʊnˌwɜrk /

noun

1. any construction, as walls or the like, of stone; stone masonry.

2. the techniques, processes, work, or art of dressing, setting, or designing in stone.

3. (usually used with a singular verb) Usually stoneworks. a place where stone is dressed, as for building.

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stonework British  

/ ˈstəʊnˌwɜːk /

noun

1. any structure or part of a building made of stone

2. the process of dressing or setting stones

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Other Word Forms

• stoneworker noun

Etymology

Origin of stonework

before 1000; Middle English stoonwerk, Old English stānweorc. See stone, work

Example Sentences

The Hughes - Helen, 33, and Llyr, 36 - had been planning a home extension when heavy rainfall in February 2023 flooded exposed foundations, sending water through the stonework and under the floors.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

“Three days ago, while admiring the stonework, I happened to notice a huge gash in the limestone that extended more than 25 yards long. It was deep and nasty!” he wrote.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2025

So Underwood redesigned the structure, creating a more rustic lodge out of the original stonework, perched on the very edge of the canyon.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2025

But while most visitors will be marveling at the cathedral’s rebuilt roof and radiant stonework, behind the scenes a sprawling scientific enterprise has yielded surprising insights into Notre Dame’s past.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 5, 2024

Until recently, researchers would have said the highlands in 1000 a.d. were occupied by scattered small villages and one or two big towns with some nice stonework.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• gem
• gravel
• metal
• mineral
• pebble
• rock