bricklaying: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “bricklaying” mean?
The skilled craft or work of building structures by setting bricks in mortar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The skilled craft or work of building structures by setting bricks in mortar.
A noun describing the profession, technique, or process of constructing walls, chimneys, and other elements from bricks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; term is identical and standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Strong association with skilled manual trades, construction industry, and apprenticeship schemes in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to prevalence of brick construction in domestic architecture.
Grammar
How to Use “bricklaying” in a Sentence
[N] requires skill.[N] of [structure] (e.g., bricklaying of the chimney)[N] for [purpose] (e.g., bricklaying for drainage)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bricklaying” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is bricklaying for a local firm.
- They spent the summer bricklaying on the extension.
American English
- He's been bricklaying since his apprenticeship.
- The crew will start bricklaying tomorrow.
adverb
British English
- He worked bricklaying-style for years. (rare)
American English
- N/A (Not standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- He's a bricklaying apprentice.
- The bricklaying trade is in high demand.
American English
- She took a bricklaying course.
- They used a bricklaying trowel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business contexts, refers to the trade, labour costs, and contracting services.
Academic
In academic contexts, studied within vocational education, construction technology, or architectural history.
Everyday
Used when discussing house construction, DIY projects, or career choices.
Technical
Precise term in construction manuals, building regulations, and trade qualifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bricklaying”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bricklaying”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bricklaying”
- Using 'brickwork' interchangeably for the activity (brickwork is the product). Confusing 'bricklaying' with general 'construction'. Misspelling as 'bricklaying' (two words) or 'brick-laying'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Bricklaying is a specific subset of masonry that deals exclusively with bricks. Masonry is a broader term that includes working with stone, concrete blocks, and other materials.
Yes, though less common than the noun. As a verb ('to bricklay' or 'bricklaying' as a present participle), it describes the act of performing the trade. It's more typical to say 'lay bricks' or 'do bricklaying'.
'Bricklaying' refers to the process, skill, or trade of laying bricks. 'Brickwork' refers to the finished structure or product made of bricks (e.g., 'the brickwork on that house is impressive').
Yes, it is a core construction trade with established apprenticeship routes in many countries. Demand fluctuates with the construction industry but remains a skilled profession.
The skilled craft or work of building structures by setting bricks in mortar.
Bricklaying is usually technical/formal in register.
Bricklaying: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪkˌleɪɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪkˌleɪɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As straight as a bricklayer's line.”
- “A few bricks short of a load.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BRICK' + 'LAYING' down – you LAY BRICKS down to build a wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRICKLAYING IS A FOUNDATION (for a career, a building, a skill set).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase most accurately describes the skilled activity of building a wall from bricks?