lumber
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lumber, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Wood that has been sawn into boards or planks for building.
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.
How to use lumber
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; the "useless stored objects" sense came first, and is possibly linked to Lombard pawnbrokers, whose shops were once cluttered storerooms of pledged goods.
Full origin of lumber →Frequently asked questions
What does “lumber” mean?
The word “lumber” means wood that has been sawn into boards or planks for building. In plain terms, either sawn wood used for building, or the act of moving heavily and clumsily, or (informally) being stuck with a job you didn't want.
How do you pronounce “lumber”?
“Lumber” is pronounced LUHM-buh (/ˈlʌm.bɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lumber” in a sentence?
Here is “lumber” used in a sentence: “The yard sells lumber for decking and fencing.”
What is another word for “lumber”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lumber” include timber and wood.
What part of speech is “lumber”?
Depending on how it is used, “lumber” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “lumber” a common word?
“Lumber” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lumber” have?
“Lumber” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wood that has been sawn into boards or planks for building.
What is the difference between "lumber" and "timber"?
"Lumber" and "timber" both refer to wood used for building, but "lumber" is the term more commonly used in American English for wood sawn into boards or planks, while British English tends to use "timber" for the same material. In British English, "lumber" more often refers to old furniture or unwanted items.
What does it mean to "lumber someone with" a task?
To "lumber" someone with a task means to burden them with something unwanted, often a responsibility they did not ask for. This verb use is distinct from the noun sense referring to wood or old furniture.
What does it mean when someone "lumbers" across a room?
When used this way, "lumber" describes moving in a slow, heavy, and clumsy manner, often suggesting size or fatigue. It is used for both people and large animals.