bricklayer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “bricklayer” mean?
A person whose job is to build structures, such as walls, houses, or chimneys, by laying bricks in mortar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job is to build structures, such as walls, houses, or chimneys, by laying bricks in mortar.
A skilled craftsperson or tradesperson specializing in brickwork and masonry; more broadly, any construction worker or artisan who works with bricks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. In British English, the trade may be more formally referred to within 'trades' categories (e.g., 'bricklaying trade').
Connotations
Connotes skilled manual labour, physical work, and construction. Neutral connotations.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bricklayer” in a Sentence
[bricklayer] + verb (builds, lays, works)article (a/the) + [bricklayer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bricklayer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He trained to bricklay after leaving school.
- They are bricklaying the extension this week.
American English
- He apprenticed to learn bricklaying.
- The crew will bricklay the façade starting Monday.
adjective
British English
- He comes from a bricklaying family.
- The bricklaying tools were left on site.
American English
- She completed a bricklaying apprenticeship.
- The bricklaying techniques are traditional.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In construction contracts, project management, and labour market reports.
Academic
In vocational studies, sociology of work, or historical analyses of trades.
Everyday
When discussing home renovations, job markets, or personal occupations.
Technical
In construction manuals, building regulations, and trade qualification documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bricklayer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bricklayer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bricklayer”
- Misspelling as 'bricklayor' or 'brick layer' (as two separate words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard, formal occupational title used in employment contracts, official statistics, and vocational training.
A bricklayer specifically works with bricks and blocks. A mason (or stonemason) typically works with stone, though the term 'mason' can sometimes be used more broadly to include bricklayers.
The term 'brickie' is primarily British and Australian informal slang. It is less common in American English, where 'brick mason' is more standard.
Yes, in modern construction, a bricklayer's skills often extend to laying concrete blocks ('blockwork'), and the job title can encompass this work.
A person whose job is to build structures, such as walls, houses, or chimneys, by laying bricks in mortar.
Bricklayer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪkˌleɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪkˌleɪ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As thick as a bricklayer's thumb (humorous, implying clumsiness or lack of finesse).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BRICK-LAYER': someone who LAYS BRICKS.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION-BUILDER (someone who creates the solid, essential structure).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary tool most associated with a bricklayer's work?