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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An acre-sized lath house provided shade for tender seedlings, and an innovative rainwater collection system provided water for irrigation six months of the year. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for lath 

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 28 Nov. 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!