skirtings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency technical/architectural term)Technical (architecture, DIY), formal (in property descriptions).
Quick answer
What does “skirtings” mean?
Baseboards or mouldings along the bottom of an interior wall where it meets the floor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Baseboards or mouldings along the bottom of an interior wall where it meets the floor.
The plural form of 'skirting', primarily referring to architectural trim. In other contexts, can rarely refer to the act of moving along or avoiding the edge of something (gerund or present participle), though 'skirting' is more common for the verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'skirting board' is the standard term; 'skirting' is a common short form. In American English, 'baseboard' is the dominant term; 'skirting board' is rarely used and may sound British.
Connotations
In the UK, it's a neutral, everyday term for a standard household feature. In the US, 'skirting' in this context might be marked as a Britishism or a specific architectural style term.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK property/DIY contexts; low frequency in general US English, where 'baseboards' is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “skirtings” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the + skirtings (e.g., install, repair, paint)[Adjective] + skirtings (e.g., new, ornate, simple)skirtings + [Preposition] + [Noun] (e.g., skirtings in the hall, skirtings of oak)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skirtings” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are skirtings the main issue in the debate.
- The path goes skirtings the edge of the forest.
American English
- They are skirting the main issue in the debate.
- The trail goes skirting the edge of the woods.
adverb
British English
- None standard for 'skirtings'.
American English
- None standard for 'skirtings'.
adjective
British English
- The skirting board profile is quite ornate.
- We need more skirting material.
American English
- The baseboard profile is quite ornate.
- We need more baseboard material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in property development, real estate listings, and renovation quotes (e.g., 'The price includes new skirtings throughout').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in architectural history or building conservation papers.
Everyday
Common in UK household conversations about decorating or repairs (e.g., 'I scuffed the skirtings moving the sofa').
Technical
Standard in architectural drawings, building specifications, and carpentry/joinery manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skirtings”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skirtings”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skirtings”
- Using 'skirtings' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'a skirting'; correct: 'a skirting board' or 'a piece of skirting').
- Using 'skirtings' in general American English where 'baseboards' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'skirting's' or 'skirtins'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same architectural feature. 'Skirtings' or 'skirting boards' is the common term in British English, while 'baseboards' is standard in American English.
No, 'skirtings' is a plural noun. The singular is 'a skirting board' (BrE) or 'a piece of skirting'. You would not say 'a skirting' on its own.
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is architectural. The related verb 'skirting' (present participle) can be used more broadly (e.g., skirting an issue), but the plural noun 'skirtings' almost always refers to the boards.
A very common collocation is 'to paint the skirtings'. Other strong collocations include 'skirting boards', 'wooden skirtings', and 'replace the skirtings'.
Baseboards or mouldings along the bottom of an interior wall where it meets the floor.
Skirtings is usually technical (architecture, diy), formal (in property descriptions). in register.
Skirtings: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɜː.tɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɝː.t̬ɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SKIRT hangs down from the waist. SKIRTINGS are like a 'skirt' for the wall, sitting at the bottom where it meets the floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS CLOTHING (the skirtings 'dress' and protect the vulnerable base of the wall).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'skirtings' most commonly used for the boards at the bottom of a wall?