stonemason: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical, historical
Quick answer
What does “stonemason” mean?
a person whose occupation is cutting, shaping, preparing, and building with stone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a person whose occupation is cutting, shaping, preparing, and building with stone
A skilled craftsperson working with stone; often implies traditional, enduring craftsmanship and can metaphorically describe someone who builds something solid and lasting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally used in both varieties, though the trade itself may be more commonly referenced in UK contexts due to older building stock.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, skill, and physical craftsmanship in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; higher frequency in historical, architectural, or construction-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stonemason” in a Sentence
[The/Our] stonemason + VERB (built, carved, repaired)stonemason + OF + [place/material] (stonemason of note, stonemason of Portland stone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stonemason” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cathedral employed a team of stonemasons for the restoration.
- He served an apprenticeship to become a qualified stonemason.
- The intricate gargoyle was the work of a 15th-century stonemason.
American English
- We hired a stonemason to rebuild the fieldstone wall.
- The monument lists the lead stonemason's name.
- Stonemasonry is a guild-protected trade in some cities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific trade names or historical restoration companies.
Academic
Used in history, art history, and architecture disciplines.
Everyday
Uncommon; might be used when discussing home renovations involving stonework or heritage projects.
Technical
Standard term in construction, heritage conservation, and craft trades.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stonemason”
- Misspelling as 'stone mason' (open compound). The standard is the closed compound 'stonemason'.
- Using it as a general synonym for any construction worker.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A stonemason (or mason) works with natural stone, cutting and shaping it. A bricklayer works with manufactured bricks and blocks.
No, it is only a noun. The related activity is 'stonemasonry'.
It is a closed compound: 'stonemason', not 'stone mason'.
A stonemason. The term is gender-neutral, though historically the trade was male-dominated.
a person whose occupation is cutting, shaping, preparing, and building with stone.
Stonemason is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
Stonemason: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊnˌmeɪs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊnˌmeɪs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built by the stonemasons of old”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person who works with STONE and is a craftsperson or MASON.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STONEMASON IS A BUILDER OF ENDURING STRUCTURES (physical, social, or moral).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary material a stonemason works with?