Definition

1. Noun:
   • Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry: The processed wood from trees, used as a construction material.
   • A wooden beam or post: A single piece of wood, especially a large one, used in the structure of a building, ship, or other framework.
   • Trees or wooded land considered as a source of wood: Land covered with trees; forested land.
   • (Archaic) Personal quality or character: Used to describe a person's inherent qualities or potential, likening them to the nature of wood.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Material):
  • The house was built from sturdy timber.
  • This furniture is made from reclaimed timber.
• Noun (Beam):
  • A massive timber supports the roof of the barn.
  • The ship's hull was reinforced with heavy timbers.
• Noun (Land):
  • The fire spread quickly through the dry timber.
  • He owns 100 acres of timber.
• Noun (Character - archaic):
  • He is a man of good timber.

Advanced Usage

• "Shiver my timbers!": An archaic, nautical exclamation of surprise or annoyance.
  • "Shiver my timbers! That's a fierce storm brewing."
• To be "timbered": Describes land covered with trees or a structure made of wood.
  • The hillside is heavily timbered with pine.
  • It's a beautifully timbered cottage.

Variants and Related Words

• Timbering (n): The wooden supports or framework in a mine or construction site.
  • The miners checked the timbering in the tunnel.
• Timberland (n): Land covered with forest suitable for producing timber.
  • The company owns vast tracts of timberland.

Synonyms

• Lumber: (Chiefly North American) Processed wood ready for use.
• Wood: The hard fibrous material forming the trunk and branches of a tree.
• Beam: A long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used in construction.
• Forest: A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.

Related Phrases

• Timber wolf: A large gray wolf of northern North American forests.
• Timber line / tree line: The edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing.

Notes on Usage

• In American English, "lumber" is more common for processed wood sold for building, while "timber" often refers to the trees themselves or large structural pieces.
• In British English, "timber" is the standard term for wood prepared for building.
• The archaic use referring to personal character is now rare but may be encountered in historical literature.

Noun

1. (music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound)
   • the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely
   • the muffled tones of the broken bell summoned them to meet
2. land that is covered with trees and shrubs
3. a post made of wood
4. a beam made of wood
5. the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material