masonry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “masonry” mean?
The craft or work of building with stone, brick, or concrete blocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The craft or work of building with stone, brick, or concrete blocks.
The stonework or brickwork of a building; also refers to the Freemasons as an organization (capitalized).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term 'brickwork' is more common in everyday UK contexts for domestic structures, while 'masonry' is more technical.
Connotations
In both, it connotes durability, skill, and traditional construction. In the UK, it may have stronger historical/architectural associations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in technical/construction contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “masonry” in a Sentence
[Adj] masonrymasonry of [material]masonry in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masonry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wall was masonried using local limestone.
- They plan to masonry the entire facade.
American English
- The patio will be masonried with bluestone.
- Contractors are scheduled to masonry the foundation next week.
adjective
British English
- The masonry contractor arrived on site.
- They specialise in masonry restoration.
American English
- We need a masonry estimate for the chimney.
- The masonry drill bit is for concrete.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in construction industry reports and contracts, e.g., 'masonry subcontractor'.
Academic
Used in archaeology, architecture, and civil engineering papers discussing building materials and techniques.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing home repairs or historic buildings.
Technical
Precise term in construction, engineering, and conservation for structures made of individual units bound by mortar.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masonry”
- Using 'masonry' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a masonry'). It is generally uncountable. Confusing 'masonry' (the product) with 'mason' (the person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while historically associated with stone, modern masonry includes brick, concrete block, and other similar units bound with mortar.
A 'mason' is the skilled worker or craftsman. 'Masonry' is the work they do or the resulting structure itself.
It is rarely used as a verb ('to masonry'). The more common verb is 'to lay' bricks/stone, or the profession is described with 'do masonry work'.
When capitalized, it is a proper noun referring specifically to the institutions, practices, and members of Freemasonry.
The craft or work of building with stone, brick, or concrete blocks.
Masonry is usually formal, technical in register.
Masonry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪsənri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪsənri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As solid as masonry.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MA-SON (a male child) building a wall of SON-blocks. MA-SON-RY.
Conceptual Metaphor
MASONRY IS PERMANENCE (e.g., 'the masonry of tradition').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'Masonry' (capitalized) most likely be used?