masonry

/ˈmeɪsnri/

/ˈmeɪsənri/

Other forms: masonries

The word masonry refers both to the process of building things out of stone or brick and to the structures that result from this process. To practice masonry, you have to be strong enough to lift very heavy rocks.

Some masonry experts (called masons) essentially "glue" bricks together with mortar, making walls, outdoor stoves, or walking paths. You can also call a person who does this a bricklayer. Other masonry is made with concrete blocks, granite, or large stones. Dry stone walls are a type of masonry constructed with no mortar—the stones are shaped and arranged so that they fit together securely.

Definitions of masonry

1. noun

   the craft of a mason
   types:

   bricklaying

   the craft of laying bricks

   type of:

   craft, trade

   the skilled practice of a practical occupation
2. noun

   structure built of stone or brick by a mason
   types:

   brickwork

   masonry done with bricks and mortar

   dry masonry

   masonry without mortar

   stonework

   masonry done with stone

   cyclopean masonry

   a primitive style of masonry characterized by use of massive stones of irregular shape and size

   dry wall, dry-stone wall

   a stone wall made with stones fitted together without mortar

   nogging

   rough brick masonry used to fill in the gaps in a wooden frame

   type of:

   construction, structure

   a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts