shuttering: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Industrial
Quick answer
What does “shuttering” mean?
A temporary structure, typically of wooden boards or metal sheets, used in construction to contain and support wet concrete until it sets hard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A temporary structure, typically of wooden boards or metal sheets, used in construction to contain and support wet concrete until it sets hard.
The act of closing, covering, or fitting something with shutters; also refers to the process or business of manufacturing or installing such shutters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In construction, British English strongly prefers 'shuttering'. American English more commonly uses 'formwork' for the same concept, though 'shuttering' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, the verb 'shuttering' (as in closing) can imply a definitive, often permanent closure, especially in business contexts.
Frequency
'Shuttering' is high-frequency in UK construction contexts but low-frequency in general American English, where 'formwork' predominates.
Grammar
How to Use “shuttering” in a Sentence
[NP] shutter [NP] (transitive verb)[NP] be shuttering (progressive aspect)[Det/Adj] shuttering [N] (attributive noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shuttering” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The builders are shuttering the basement walls before pouring the concrete.
- They spent the afternoon shuttering the old barn's windows against the coming gale.
American English
- The retail chain is shuttering several underperforming locations this quarter.
- After the storm, we'll be shuttering the beachfront properties for the winter.
adjective
British English
- The shuttering crew arrived on site at dawn.
- We need to order more shuttering ply for the next phase.
American English
- The shuttering operation requires precise coordination with the concrete trucks.
- His shuttering business specializes in complex architectural forms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the cost, labour, and logistics of temporary concrete supports in construction projects; also used for the permanent closure of business premises.
Academic
A key term in civil engineering and architecture texts concerning concrete casting techniques.
Everyday
Rare; might refer to fitting or closing window shutters on a house.
Technical
The precise process of assembling, securing, and striking temporary moulds for structural concrete elements.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shuttering”
- Misspelling as 'shuddering'.
- Using 'shuttering' as a general synonym for 'closing' outside specific contexts (e.g., 'shuttering the door' sounds odd; prefer 'shutting').
- Confusing the noun with 'shutter' itself (the object, not the temporary structure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In essence, yes. Both refer to the temporary mould for concrete. 'Shuttering' is the preferred term in British English, while 'formwork' is more common in American English.
Yes. As the present participle of 'shutter', it means closing or fitting with shutters. It is also commonly used metaphorically to mean closing a business permanently.
It is unusual. 'Shuttering' typically applies to windows or apertures fitted with actual shutters. For a door, 'shutting', 'closing', or 'locking' would be more natural.
Inadequate or faulty shuttering can lead to concrete leakage, structural deformation, surface defects, and in worst cases, collapse during the pour, posing serious safety risks.
A temporary structure, typically of wooden boards or metal sheets, used in construction to contain and support wet concrete until it sets hard.
Shuttering is usually technical/industrial in register.
Shuttering: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌtərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌt̬ərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'shuttering' as building a temporary 'shutter' or shell around soft concrete, just as you close window shutters to contain the inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRUCTION IS TEMPORARY CONTAINMENT; A BUSINESS/OPERATION IS A BUILDING THAT CAN BE CLOSED WITH SHUTTERS.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, which term is most commonly used in construction instead of 'shuttering'?