timbers
word · lemma: timber
Definition
Large pieces of wood, often squared, used for building structures like houses, ships, or bridges. "Timbers" refers to more than one piece, especially the main wooden beams.
Usage & Nuances
Usually plural; refers to structural wood, not just any wood. Common in building and ship terminology: 'supporting timbers', 'oak timbers'. Not to be confused with 'lumber' (US, general wood) or 'timber!' (the shout when a tree falls).
Example Sentences
The old house has thick wooden timbers in the ceiling.
basic
Workers carried the heavy timbers to the building site.
basic
The boat’s timbers were made from strong oak.
basic
Many of the old barn's timbers are still in perfect condition after a hundred years.
natural
You could hear the timbers creak every time the wind blew against the house.
natural
The carpenters replaced some rotting timbers to make the bridge safe again.
natural