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

His graciousness even extended to the treatment of wooden water tanks, which he often wrapped in masonry to give them the appearance of little temples—much nicer to look at from the street.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Behind them, Gehry designed bulky offices — one clad in dark, rough masonry, the other in irregular white stucco — but they’ve since been overshadowed by the quirky entry sculpture.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 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

Further along the road, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, discrete piles of masonry and splintered metal mapped where each house or farm building once stood.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

Over the years he’d learned every trade he could get close to—fishing, ship rigging, painting, framing, masonry, plumbing, roofing, tile work, even auto repair.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers