Lumber
'lʌmbər
Definitions
2 meaningsWood that has been sawed into planks or boards and is used in construction.
'lʌmbər
Wood that has been sawed, especially for construction
The carpenter used lumber to build the frame of the house.
💡 Simply: Lumber is like the LEGO bricks for building houses. It's wood that's been cut into shapes so you can use it to make a building. Imagine building a fort in the forest – you'd need some lumber!
👶 For kids: Lumber is wood that has been cut into boards and used to build things.
More Examples
We bought a stack of lumber from the local hardware store for the deck.
How It's Used
"The new house will be built with high-quality lumber."
"The lumber from the harvested trees was transported to the sawmill."
To move in a slow, heavy, or awkward way.
'lʌmbər
To move in a clumsy or awkward way.
The tired hiker lumbered up the steep hill.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to run when you're wearing a big, heavy backpack. When you move slowly and awkwardly, like you're weighed down, that's lumbering. Think of a clumsy giant walking around!
👶 For kids: To lumber is to walk slowly and heavily, like a big animal.
More Examples
The truck lumbered along the highway, carrying a heavy load.
How It's Used
"The bear lumbered through the forest."
"The old car lumbered up the hill."
From Middle English *lumber*, likely related to Lombard or the area (Lombardy) that specialized in trade and goods, which may then have come to describe discarded or stored goods.
Historically, lumber was associated with the trade of wooden goods, often originating from large forested areas.
Memory tip
Think of building a house: You need lumber to make the walls and floors.
Word Origin
"Discarded goods or the act of storing, evolving to refer to wood for building."