noun
ashlar
ASH-lur
Ashlar (noun) means Masonry made of flat, neatly squared stone or brick. Example: “The bank's front wall is built of fine ashlar.”
noun
1
architecture Masonry made of flat, neatly squared stone or brick.
"The bank's front wall is built of fine ashlar."
"Ashlar gives a building a smooth, orderly look compared with rough rubble."
"The architect chose ashlar for the main facade."
"The old church was faced with ashlar over a core of rough stone."
2
architecture Stone that has been cut and finished for use in such masonry.
"The mason stacked the ashlar beside the building site."
"Workers lifted each block of ashlar into place with a crane."
Examples of ashlar in a sentence →
How to use ashlar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNeatly cut, squared stone used to build or face a wall.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in architecture and building.
Memory tip
Ashlar can be used without a plural when it names the material, as in a wall of ashlar.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ashlar masonry
an ashlar wall
ashlar facade
dressed ashlar
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The bank's front wall is built of fine _____.
Etymology
The word reaches English from Middle English assheler, which came from Old French esselier, meaning a wooden support or beam. That in turn goes back through Medieval Latin to Latin axilla, a little plank.
Frequently asked questions
What does ashlar mean?
Ashlar is masonry built from flat, well-squared stone or brick. It can also mean the finished stone used to make it.
How do you pronounce ashlar?
In American English it is pronounced ASH-lur, with the stress on the first syllable.
Is ashlar spelled ashler?
Ashler is an alternative spelling of the same word.
What is the meaning of ashlar?
"ashlar" (noun) means masonry made of flat, neatly squared stone or brick.
