toothing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Historical for core meaning; Archaic Slang for extended.
Quick answer
What does “toothing” mean?
The act of laying bricks or stones in a staggered, projecting pattern to allow later extension or bonding with a new wall section.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of laying bricks or stones in a staggered, projecting pattern to allow later extension or bonding with a new wall section.
1) In historical architecture: the method of leaving alternate bricks or stones projecting from a wall face. 2) In modern slang (rare, early 2000s): the act of using Bluetooth on a mobile device to find and flirt with strangers in close proximity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core architectural term is identical in both dialects. The obsolete slang term was predominantly used in UK media for a brief period.
Connotations
Architectural: neutral/technical. Slang: novelty, tech-based social interaction (now dated).
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. The architectural term appears only in specialist texts. The slang term is defunct.
Grammar
How to Use “toothing” in a Sentence
[the wall] features [toothing][toothing] is visible on [the gable end]to construct [a wall] with [toothing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toothing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The original builders toothed the east wall, anticipating the later nave.
American English
- The masons toothed the foundation for the future addition.
adjective
British English
- The toothing course was carefully preserved during restoration.
American English
- We identified a toothing pattern on the historic limestone wall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in archaeology, architectural history, and conservation studies to describe historic building techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in masonry, construction, and building surveying to describe a method for future wall extension.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toothing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toothing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toothing”
- Using it as a general term for anything jagged.
- Assuming the slang meaning is current or widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term primarily found in architectural and historical contexts.
Only etymologically. It derives from the noun 'tooth', referring to the projecting parts resembling teeth. It is not related to dentistry.
This was a very brief, niche slang term from the early 2000s related to Bluetooth discovery. It is now completely obsolete and unfamiliar to most English speakers.
You can use it as a noun: 'The toothing shows where the Victorian extension was added.' Or as a verb (less common): 'The builders toothed the wall for the new wing.'
The act of laying bricks or stones in a staggered, projecting pattern to allow later extension or bonding with a new wall section.
Toothing is usually technical / historical for core meaning; archaic slang for extended. in register.
Toothing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtuːθɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtuθɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wall with TEETH: 'TOOTH-ing' are the brick 'teeth' sticking out, ready to bite into a new section of wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS LEAVING A GRASPING POINT (the projecting bricks are like hands reaching out to grab the next section).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'toothing' primarily used?