C1noun5K

Timber

UK /["/ˈtɪmbə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈtɪmbər/"]/

Definition

trees that are grown to be used in building or for making things

In simple words: Wood used for building or making things.

Examples

  • the timber industry
  • houses built of timber
  • a solid timber door
  • roof timbers
  • The house has exposed oak timbers.

Usage notes

Used primarily in contexts related to construction or forestry. Not commonly used in casual conversation unless discussing wood as a material.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'Timber!' when a tree is falling in the forest.

Collocations

  • cut
  • fell
  • harvest
  • company
  • industry
  • production
  • heavy
  • solid
  • rough
  • length
  • piece
  • dress
  • season
  • treat
  • decay
  • rot
  • product
  • merchant
  • yard
  • heavy
  • exposed
  • roof

Synonyms

  • wood
  • lumber
  • plank
  • beam
  • log

Antonyms

  • metal
  • concrete
  • stone

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'lumber' - both refer to wood, but usage can vary by region.
  • Using 'timber' when referring to small pieces of wood instead of larger logs.
  • Mistakenly using 'timber' as a verb.