furring

American  

[fur-ing] / ˈfɜr ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of lining, trimming, or clothing with fur.

   Furring this coat will take several weeks.

2. the fur used.

   What kind of furring would you like?

3. the formation of a coating of matter on something, as on the tongue.

   A heavy furring could mean a high fever.

4. Building Trades.

   1. the attaching of strips of wood or the like furring strips to a wall or other surface, as to provide an even support for lath or to provide an air space between the wall and plasterwork.

   2. material used for this purpose.

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furring British  

/ ˈfɜːrɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. short for furring strip

   2. the fixing of furring strips

   3. furring strips collectively

2. the formation of fur on the tongue

3. trimming of animal fur, as on a coat or other garment, or furs collectively

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Etymology

Origin of furring

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; fur + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

I was astounded by what I saw as I removed the drywall that was screwed to the wood furring strips that were nailed to the four-inch solid concrete block that made the chimney.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2021

If flue gases had escaped from the chimney, they could have set the wood framing near the chimney and the wood furring strips on fire.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2021

Made of rare-earth magnets encased in wood, the holder looks almost like a well-sanded and stained furring strip.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2019

Bad cholesterol is the villain in heart world - it leads to blood vessels furring up, becoming easy to block which fatally starves the heart or brain of oxygen.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2017

The pine paneling was gone from the walls leaving just the furring strips.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Related Words

• covering
• cushioning
• lining
• padding