hodman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic, Technical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “hodman” mean?
A labourer who carries bricks, mortar, or other building materials using a hod.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A labourer who carries bricks, mortar, or other building materials using a hod.
An archaic term for a skilled or unskilled manual worker in the construction industry, specifically one responsible for transporting materials to bricklayers or masons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally archaic and rare in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in British historical texts or discussions of heritage building techniques.
Connotations
Connotes a traditional, pre-industrial, or early industrial building trade. In both regions, it suggests a bygone era of manual labour.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage. Its frequency is marginally higher in UK texts relating to architectural history or historical documentaries.
Grammar
How to Use “hodman” in a Sentence
[The/An] hodman carried [material] to [the bricklayer].[Subject] worked/employed/served as a hodman.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hodman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb forms exist.
American English
- No standard verb forms exist.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb forms exist.
American English
- No standard adverb forms exist.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective forms exist.
American English
- No standard adjective forms exist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Used only in historical, architectural, or socio-economic studies of labour.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in historical descriptions of building trades or in heritage building conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hodman”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hodman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hodman”
- Confusing 'hodman' with 'handyman'. A handyman does repairs; a hodman specifically carries materials.
- Using it as a modern job title.
- Misspelling as 'hotman' or 'headman'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term. The role still exists but is now more commonly referred to as a 'labourer', 'construction operative', or 'builder's mate'.
A hod is a V-shaped tool, usually made of wood or metal, mounted on a long pole. It is used for carrying bricks, mortar, or coal on the shoulder.
Historically, it was primarily for bricklaying and masonry. However, 'coal hodmen' also existed, carrying coal in domestic settings.
There is no direct, commonly used female equivalent. 'Hodwoman' is theoretically possible but historically and linguistically very rare. 'Hod carrier' or 'labourer' are gender-neutral modern terms.
A labourer who carries bricks, mortar, or other building materials using a hod.
Hodman is usually archaic, technical/historical in register.
Hodman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒdmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːdmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms exist for this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a man (MAN) with a HOD (a V-shaped tray on a pole) carrying bricks. HOD + MAN = HODMAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN AS BEAST OF BURDEN (archaic). The hodman is conceptually the 'pack animal' of the construction site, defined by the tool he carries and the physical burden.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'hodman'?