lean-to

[leen-too]

noun

plural

lean-tos 

1. a shack or shed supported at one side by trees or posts and having an inclined roof.

2. a roof of a single pitch with the higher end abutting a wall or larger building.

3. a structure with such a roof.

lean-to

noun

1. a roof that has a single slope with its upper edge adjoining a wall or building

2. a shed or outbuilding with such a roof

Word History and Origins

Origin of lean-to¹

1425–75; late Middle English; noun use of verb phrase lean to

Related Words

• hut 
• shack 
• shanty