Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wall constructed from stone without mortar: A structure built by carefully fitting stones together, relying on their shape and weight for stability, without using any binding material like cement or mortar.
   • A panel used for interior construction: A large, rigid sheet, typically made from gypsum plaster (plasterboard) or wood-based materials, used to create the smooth, finished surfaces of interior walls and ceilings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient farmhouse was surrounded by a sturdy dry wall built by the original settlers.
  • After framing the new room, the next step is to install the dry wall before painting.

Advanced Usage

• "To hang/install drywall": The process of attaching the panels to the wall or ceiling framing.
  • The contractor will hang the drywall tomorrow.
• "Drywall compound/mud": The paste used to fill joints and cover fastener heads between drywall panels.
  • Apply a thin layer of drywall compound over the seams.
• "Drywall screw": A specialized screw with a coarse thread and bugle head designed for securing drywall panels to studs.
  • Make sure to use drywall screws, not regular wood screws.

Variants and Related Words

• Drywall (one word): The more common modern spelling, especially for the interior construction material.
  • We need to buy ten sheets of drywall.
• Plasterboard (n): A common synonym for drywall, especially in British English.
• Sheetrock (n): A prominent brand name for drywall, often used generically.
• Gypsum board (n): Another technical term for drywall, named for its primary mineral component.

Synonyms

• For the stone wall: Dry-stone wall, unmortared wall.
• For the panel: Wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board.

Related Phrases

• "To tape and mud drywall": The finishing process involving applying joint tape and multiple layers of compound to create seamless walls.
  • A skilled professional can tape and mud drywall very quickly.
• "Drywall anchor": A device inserted into drywall to provide a secure hold for screws when attaching shelves or other objects.
  • For hanging that mirror, you'll need to use drywall anchors.

Noun

1. a stone wall made with stones fitted together without mortar
2. a wide flat board used to cover walls or partitions; made from plaster or wood pulp or other materials and used primarily to form the interior walls of houses