First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1lumber
verb lum·ber \ˈləm-bər\
lum·beredlum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of LUMBER
intransitive verb
1
: to move ponderously
2
: rumble
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LUMBER
Middle English lomeren
2lumber
noun
: wooden boards or logs that have been sawed and cut for use
: large objects that are no longer used or wanted
Full Definition of LUMBER
1
: surplus or disused articles (as furniture) that are stored away
2
a : timber or logs especially when dressed for use b : any of various structural materials prepared in a form similar to lumber
— lumber adjective
See lumber defined for English-language learners
Origin of LUMBER
perhaps from Lombard; from the use of pawnshops as storehouses of disused property
First Known Use: 1552
3lumber
verb
lum·beredlum·ber·ing \-b(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of LUMBER
transitive verb
1
: to clutter with or as if with lumber : encumber <plan to lumber the tiny town with a giant ski resort — Marilyn Stasio>
2
: to heap together in disorder
3
: to log and saw the timber of
intransitive verb
1
: to cut logs for lumber
2
: to saw logs into lumber for the market
— lum·ber·er \-bər-ər\ noun
First Known Use of LUMBER
1642
LUMBER Defined for Kids
1lumber
verb lum·ber \ˈləm-bər\
lum·beredlum·ber·ing
Definition of LUMBER for Kids
: to move in a slow or awkward way <An elephant lumbered along the road.>
2lumber
noun
Definition of LUMBER for Kids
: timber especially when sawed into boards
Learn More About LUMBER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: lumber–corePrevious Word in the Dictionary: lumbayaoAll Words Near: lumber
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up lumber? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).