flying bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized / TechnicalTechnical / Construction / Architecture
Quick answer
What does “flying bond” mean?
A brickwork pattern, also called 'rat-trap bond' or 'Chinese bond', where bricks are laid on edge to create a cavity wall with less material.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brickwork pattern, also called 'rat-trap bond' or 'Chinese bond', where bricks are laid on edge to create a cavity wall with less material.
In masonry, a cost-effective and thermally efficient method of bricklaying using fewer bricks per wall than traditional solid bonds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'flying bond' is more common in UK and Commonwealth construction terminology. In the US, the pattern is often referred to as 'rat-trap bond' or simply not used, as cavity wall construction follows different modern standards.
Connotations
In the UK, it may connote historical, economical, or non-load-bearing construction. In the US, it may be seen as a non-standard or historical technique.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively within masonry, conservation, and architectural circles in the UK. Extremely rare in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “flying bond” in a Sentence
[Wall/Structure] + be + constructed/laid/built + in flying bond[Builder/Mason] + lay + [bricks] + in flying bondVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Victorian extension was **flown bonded** to match the original outbuilding's construction.
- We need to **flying-bond** this section to reduce the brick count.
American English
- The mason proposed to **rat-trap bond** the garden wall for cost savings.
- They decided to **lay it in rat-trap bond** instead of a standard pattern.
adverb
British English
- The bricks were laid **flying-bond style**.
American English
- The wall was built **rat-trap-bond style**.
adjective
British English
- The **flying-bond** technique saved nearly 25% on materials.
- A **flying-bond** partition wall was specified.
American English
- The **rat-trap-bond** method is less common here.
- It's a **rat-trap-bond** cavity wall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in a construction tender or specification document to describe a building method.
Academic
Used in papers on construction history, sustainable building materials, or architectural conservation.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in bricklaying manuals, architectural specifications, and historic building conservation reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying bond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying bond”
- Using 'flying bond' to describe a dynamic financial instrument (confusion with 'bond').
- Thinking it describes something fast or aerodynamic.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are different names for the same bricklaying pattern. 'Flying bond' is more common in UK terminology, while 'rat-trap bond' is used internationally.
Typically, no. Flying bond creates a cavity wall with reduced structural mass, so it is generally used for partition walls, infill panels, or single-storey structures, not primary load-bearing walls in major buildings.
The term likely derives from the bricks being laid 'on edge' or 'on the fly', creating a wall with an internal void or air space, rather than from the concept of flight.
You are most likely to encounter it in contexts related to historic building conservation, bricklaying manuals, architectural history texts, or discussions on sustainable/low-material construction techniques.
A brickwork pattern, also called 'rat-trap bond' or 'Chinese bond', where bricks are laid on edge to create a cavity wall with less material.
Flying bond is usually technical / construction / architecture in register.
Flying bond: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈbɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈbɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine bricks flying on edge (sideways) to form a wall with a hidden trap (rat-trap) of air inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRUCTION IS PATTERN-MAKING / ECONOMY IS EFFICIENCY
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of using a flying bond in construction?