lean-to
Americannoun
plural
lean-tos-
a shack or shed supported at one side by trees or posts and having an inclined roof.
-
a roof of a single pitch with the higher end abutting a wall or larger building.
-
a structure with such a roof.
noun
-
a roof that has a single slope with its upper edge adjoining a wall or building
-
a shed or outbuilding with such a roof
Etymology
Origin of lean-to
1425–75; late Middle English; noun use of verb phrase lean to
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.
Officials had also said there was a lean-to — a type of crude shelter — near the campsite, indicating they tried to escape the elements.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2023
Makeshift lean-to structures dot the overgrown courtyards of their apartment complex where residents gather to cook over fires.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2022
At the start of the novel, Bran lives with her common-law stepfather and his family in a lean-to on their farm in indentured servitude.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2022
If you're outside and caught in the storm, find shelter and try to stay dry and cover all exposed body parts, exercise or build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave and fire for heat.
From Fox News • Oct. 26, 2021
About fifty yards along was a lean-to shack, which he entered.
From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech
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.
