stucco

American  

[stuhk-oh] / ˈstʌk oʊ /

noun

plural

stuccoes, stuccos

1. an exterior finish for masonry or frame walls, usually composed of cement, sand, and hydrated lime mixed with water and laid on wet.

2. any of various fine plasters for decorative work, moldings, etc.

3. any of various finishes made with cement, plaster, or mortar, as albarium.

4. a wall, facing, molding, or other work made of such materials.

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verb (used with object)

stuccoed, stuccoing

1. to cover or ornament with stucco.

stucco British  

/ ˈstʌkəʊ /

noun

1. a weather-resistant mixture of dehydrated lime, powdered marble, and glue, used in decorative mouldings on buildings

2. any of various types of cement or plaster used for coating outside walls

3. Also called: stuccowork.  decorative work moulded in stucco

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verb

1. (tr) to apply stucco to

Other Word Forms

• stuccoer
  noun
• unstuccoed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of stucco

1590–1600; < Italian < Langobardic; compare Old High German stucki crust, piece ( German Stück )

Explanation

Stucco is a material that's used to coat ceilings, walls, and the exterior of buildings. If you travel to the southwestern United States, you'll see many homes with stucco exteriors and terra-cotta roof tiles. Stucco is a type of plaster, a substance that goes on as a wet paste and dries hard. In fact, in Italian, stucco means "plaster," from a Germanic source it shares with the Old High German stukki, or "crust." Stucco is mainly decorative, often covering metal or cinderblock, but it's also a weather-resistant coating. While regular plaster is usually smooth and white, stucco is most often textured.

Example Sentences

My last day job I had was working at a Stucco Supply company, and my boss, who is referred to as Abby in the book, was very supportive of me pursuing stand-up.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2024

Stucco requires the most extensive prep time and usually costs the most to paint.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 12, 2023

Stucco and clay tile cover the exterior, and inside, rustic beams and stained-glass skylights hang above arched doorways and stone floors.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2022

Hoover Stucco will refurbish the ceilings and Rod Scott with Yates Company will repaint the stenciling, he said.

From Washington Times • May 13, 2018

Stucco work is nothing new, and if it is well done, it is lasting.

From Diggers in the Earth by Tappan, Eva March

Related Words

• adhesive
• cement
• glue
• lime
• mortar