jamb
4 synonyms for jamb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Either of the two upright side posts of a doorway, window or fireplace, which the frame and hinges are fixed to.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
doorpost
side post
How to use jamb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
door jamb
window jamb
jamb and head
replace the jamb
Neutral; standard in building, joinery and DIY.
Etymology
From Old French jambe 'leg', from Late Latin gamba 'hoof, leg'. The upright side of a doorway was pictured as its leg.
Full origin of jamb →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a door jamb and a door frame?
The jamb is a single upright piece at the side of the opening, and every doorway has two. The frame is the whole assembly, meaning both jambs plus the head across the top and, in some cases, the sill at the bottom.
How is jamb pronounced?
It rhymes with ham. The b is silent, exactly as in lamb and comb.
What is a jamb and a stud?
A stud is a vertical timber inside a wall that carries load; a jamb is the finished upright at the edge of an opening, usually fixed to the studs around it. Builders often talk about a king stud and a jack stud supporting the jamb.
