miter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “miter” mean?
A tall, pointed ceremonial headdress, traditionally worn by bishops and certain other Christian clergy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, pointed ceremonial headdress, traditionally worn by bishops and certain other Christian clergy.
1. A joint formed by two pieces of material (especially wood) cut at an angle and fitted together. 2. To join with such a joint. 3. The title of a 'Miter Joint' is a common extended use in woodworking/carpentry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English overwhelmingly prefers 'mitre'. American English uses 'miter'. The difference in usage is only orthographic; the meanings and applications are identical.
Connotations
Same connotations in both varieties, tied to the specific sense (ecclesiastical tradition or skilled craftsmanship).
Frequency
Low frequency in general language in both varieties. The 'joint' sense is more likely encountered in DIY/construction contexts than the 'headdress' sense in everyday life.
Grammar
How to Use “miter” in a Sentence
to miter [something] (e.g., the corners)to cut a miter in/on [something][something] is mitered at the cornersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “miter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to mitre the ends of the skirting board before fixing them.
- The carpenter mitred the frame corners perfectly.
American English
- You need to miter the ends of the baseboard before nailing them.
- He mitered the trim for a seamless look.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use for 'mitre']
American English
- [No standard adverbial use for 'miter']
adjective
British English
- A mitre box is essential for guiding hand saw cuts.
- The mitre saw attachment was missing.
American English
- A miter box guides the saw for accurate angled cuts.
- She bought a new miter saw for her workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific business contexts like selling power tools (miter saws) or religious supplies.
Academic
Used in historical/religious studies (ecclesiastical vestments) or engineering/design/architecture (joint types).
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Most common everyday encounter is the tool 'miter saw' in DIY contexts.
Technical
Core usage in woodworking, carpentry, picture framing, and ecclesiastical terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “miter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “miter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miter”
- Misspelling as 'mighter' or 'mitter'. Confusing 'miter' (joint) with 'mitre' (British spelling) as different words. Using the verb without an object incorrectly (e.g., 'He mitered' is incomplete; needs 'He mitered the corners').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Miter' is standard American English spelling. 'Mitre' is standard British (and Commonwealth) English spelling.
In everyday life, most people encounter it as part of the tool name 'miter saw' or 'miter box', used for cutting angled joints in woodworking and DIY.
Yes, primarily in technical/woodworking contexts. It means 'to join with a miter joint' or 'to cut at an angle for such a joint' (e.g., 'He mitered the corners').
A miter joint is made by cutting two ends at complementary angles (usually 45°) and joining them to form a corner (like a picture frame). A butt joint is simpler, where one piece ends squarely against the face of another, forming a weaker, less aesthetic joint.
A tall, pointed ceremonial headdress, traditionally worn by bishops and certain other Christian clergy.
Miter is usually formal / specialized in register.
Miter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'miter']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MIGHTY bishop wearing a tall, MIGHTER (miter) hat, or a MIGHTY precise cut for a MIGHTY fine joint.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A CLEAN ANGLE (for the joint sense); AUTHORITY/TRADITION IS A TALL HEIGHT (for the headdress sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'miter' LEAST likely to be used?