masonry
Americannoun
-
the craft or occupation of a mason.
-
work constructed by a mason, especially stonework.
the crumbling masonry of ancient walls.
-
(initial capital letter) Freemasonry.
noun
-
the craft of a mason
-
work that is built by a mason; stonework or brickwork
-
(often capital) short for Freemasonry
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of masonry
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English masonerie, from Middle French maçonnerie; equivalent to mason + -ery
Explanation
The word masonry refers both to the process of building things out of stone or brick and to the structures that result from this process. To practice masonry, you have to be strong enough to lift very heavy rocks. Some masonry experts (called masons) essentially "glue" bricks together with mortar, making walls, outdoor stoves, or walking paths. You can also call a person who does this a bricklayer. Other masonry is made with concrete blocks, granite, or large stones. Dry stone walls are a type of masonry constructed with no mortar—the stones are shaped and arranged so that they fit together securely.
Vocabulary lists containing masonry
"Sonnet 55" by William Shakespeare
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Structural Engineering
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Civil Engineering
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Masonry, metal girders and piles of sand are everywhere along the pavements.
From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025
Local company Midland Masonry carried out the repairs for free, it finished the majority of the work on Friday and will return to repoint the cracks on Monday.
From BBC • Dec. 7, 2024
His magnum opus, “The Secret Teachings of All Ages,” is an encyclopedia of mystical philosophy that touches on Kabbalah, tarot, alchemy, mystic Christianity and Masonry among many other subjects.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023
Masonry and a lot of the esoteric groups were associated with people like Martin Luther and anyone who might upset the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
From Salon • Aug. 13, 2023
Masonry crashes into the streets; the city falls to pieces; still this one house does not fall.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
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.
