kiln

noun

ˈkiln  ˈkil 

: an oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying

kiln transitive verb

Did you know?

The word kiln was kindled in Old English as a bundle of c-y-l-n. Unlike many words that descend from Old English, however, kiln is not ultimately Germanic in origin but was borrowed from Latin culina, meaning "kitchen," an ancestor of the English word culinary, which has been a menu option in English since the 17th century. An ingredient in culina is coquere, meaning "to cook" in Latin.

Examples of kiln in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s crafted from solid mahogany wood, which is kiln-dried to resist warping, splitting, cracking, and moisture—an essential in summer humidity, especially near the coast. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

The wood frame is expertly crafted, handpainted, and kiln-dried to prevent splitting, cracking, or developing mildew. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026

Lime Kiln Theater combines all three of those characteristics, offering an annual summer lineup of live performances at its legendary outdoor venue (an old limestone quarry and kiln). — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026

Neither Hutchings nor Hernandez reported having complications with the Pakistani government when working to free brick kiln laborers. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English kilne, from Old English cyln, from Latin culina kitchen, from coquere to cook — more at cook

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

kiln

noun

ˈkiln  ˈkil 

: an oven or furnace for hardening, burning, or drying something

brick kilns

kiln verb