masonry
Americannoun
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the craft or occupation of a mason.
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work constructed by a mason, especially stonework.
the crumbling masonry of ancient walls.
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(initial capital letter) Freemasonry.
noun
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the craft of a mason
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work that is built by a mason; stonework or brickwork
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(often capital) short for Freemasonry
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of masonry
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English masonerie, from Middle French maçonnerie; equivalent to mason + -ery
Explanation
The word masonry refers both to the process of building things out of stone or brick and to the structures that result from this process. To practice masonry, you have to be strong enough to lift very heavy rocks. Some masonry experts (called masons) essentially "glue" bricks together with mortar, making walls, outdoor stoves, or walking paths. You can also call a person who does this a bricklayer. Other masonry is made with concrete blocks, granite, or large stones. Dry stone walls are a type of masonry constructed with no mortar—the stones are shaped and arranged so that they fit together securely.
Vocabulary lists containing masonry
"Sonnet 55" by William Shakespeare
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Structural Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Masonry, metal girders and piles of sand are everywhere along the pavements.
From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025
Masonry walls and vinyl fences separate properties, and the few wooden gates are isolated by metal posts so they can’t spread fire to the house.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2025
Masonry and a lot of the esoteric groups were associated with people like Martin Luther and anyone who might upset the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
From Salon • Aug. 13, 2023
Masonry and glass from smashed windows were strewn across the Culmore Road.
From BBC • Feb. 23, 2023
Masonry arches stretched from one side of the street to the other, as if to prevent the walls from collapsing.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
