masonry

American  

[mey-suhn-ree] / ˈmeɪ sən ri /

noun

plural

masonries

1. the craft or occupation of a mason.

2. work constructed by a mason, especially stonework.

   the crumbling masonry of ancient walls.

3. (initial capital letter) Freemasonry.

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masonry British  

/ ˈmeɪsənrɪ /

noun

1. the craft of a mason

2. work that is built by a mason; stonework or brickwork

3. (often capital) short for Freemasonry

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Etymology

Origin of masonry

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English masonerie, from Middle French maçonnerie; equivalent to mason + -ery

Example Sentences

No action was taken for years but with falling masonry, lingering asbestos, regular fires and exploding toilets, everyone agrees the work needs to be done.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Locals sometimes used to swim around the stone masonry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

A mechanical excavator had ripped through the facade of the East Wing, leaving a tangle of broken masonry, rubble and steel wires, AFP journalists at the scene saw.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

Finally, six hours later, Abu Warda parked the tractor before a heap of masonry and distressed rebar in Jabalia: home.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2025

I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker