tenon

American  

[ten-uhn] / ˈtɛn ən /

noun

1. a projection formed on the end of a timber or the like for insertion into a mortise of the same dimensions.

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verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a tenon.

2. to join by or as by a tenon.

3. to join securely.

tenon British  

/ ˈtɛnən /

noun

1. the projecting end of a piece of wood formed to fit into a corresponding mortise in another piece

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verb

1. to form a tenon on (a piece of wood)

2. to join with a tenon and mortise

Other Word Forms

• tenoner noun

Etymology

Origin of tenon

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to ten ( ir ) to hold (< Latin tenēre ) + -on noun suffix

Example Sentences

Instead, posts and beams were fitted together with mortise and tenon joints.

From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2020

Woodwork with mortise and tenon joints, original and restored hardware and tile-faced fireplaces are found throughout the nearly 6,000 square feet of living space.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2020

Thick hand-hewn oak beams connected with slotted and tabbed mortise and tenon joints provide the bones of the building, which has deliberately been left unfurnished to showcase its construction.

From Washington Times • Jul. 19, 2015

"You can get good at the mortise and tenon joints but without the spark to power your tool in the first place, you can't make the table."

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2013

I see new words that sound cool like dado and kerf and tenon and mortise.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine

Related Words

• coincide
• conform
• correspond
• harmonize
• jibe