butcher block

American  

noun

1. a slab of wood resembling that used for a butcher's chopping block, formed by bonding or gluing together thick laminated strips of unpainted wood, usually maple or oak, in alternating light and dark shades to produce a striped pattern.

2. a material, as vinyl, made to resemble butcher block in color and pattern.

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Other Word Forms

• butcher-block adjective

Etymology

Origin of butcher block

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

I keep my eyes peeled to decipher what’s on the plates and the butcher block.

From Salon

The sunny transformation in the kitchen includes new butcher block countertops and open shelves filled with Miller’s Reaperware ceramic dishes.

From Los Angeles Times

An oversized butcher block that he had coaxed from a local grocer was the room’s centerpiece.

From Washington Post

Instead of opting for fancy butcher blocks, I gravitate towards simple boards that are dishwasher safe — ones made of composite materials are a fave.

From Seattle Times

Series host Johnny Hohman, wearing his signature flowery apron, string of pearls and red cat-eye sunglasses, prepares for his intro next to the kitchen’s butcher block.

From Seattle Times