lath

noun

ˈlath How to pronounce lath (audio)
 also  ˈlat͟h
plural laths or lath
1
: a thin narrow strip of wood nailed to rafters, joists, or studding as a groundwork for slates, tiles, or plaster
2
: a building material in sheets used as a base for plaster
3
: a quantity of laths
lath transitive verb

Examples of lath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The project includes replacing all of the structure’s steel trusses, as well as all of its Redwood lath roof, which defines the building’s exterior. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024 Beams overhead are original and show where laths once crossed them. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2023 The heavy plaster, mixed with Portland cement, more than three inches thick and applied to a lath of chicken wire, required an ax to break through. Thomas Curwenstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2023 The original lath-and-plaster walls need repair. oregonlive, 17 Sep. 2021 Lee points out a nest of bees that thrum inside the wall near the broad main staircase, the hive built amid the exposed lath. Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2021 One section of wall has been left artfully unfinished, the underlying lath revealed in all its humble, horizontal glory. Jura Koncius, ELLE Decor, 2 Feb. 2023 Shannan fashioned the drapery rods throughout the house out of tobacco lath sticks, then added pegs to loop the simple linen curtains around the top. Kelly Ryan Kegans, Country Living, 4 Jan. 2023 That’s because the city of San Diego, with an initial $21.5 million investment of state and local funds, is working to bring back to life the 107-year-old, Redwood lath building that has been crumbling in plain sight. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lath.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English *læthth-; akin to Old High German latta lath, Welsh llath yard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lath was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near lath

Cite this Entry

“Lath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lath. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lath

noun
ˈlath How to pronounce lath (audio)
 also  ˈlat͟h
plural laths or lath
: a thin narrow strip of wood used especially as a base for plaster
lath verb

More from Merriam-Webster on lath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!