1
a
: the lowest member of a base : subbase
b
: a block upon which the moldings of an architrave or trim are stopped at the bottom
2
: a usually square block serving as a base
broadly : any of various bases or lower parts
3
: a course of stones forming a continuous foundation or base course

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Plinth and Architecture

"These ivy-clad arcades — / These mouldering plinths ... are they all — / All of the famed, and the colossal left…?" In these lines from "The Coliseum," Edgar Allan Poe alludes to a practical feature of classical architecture. The plinth serves the important purpose of raising the base of the column it supports above the ground, thus protecting it from dampness and mold. The humble plinth is usually a mere thick block. It's humbly named, too, for the Greek word plinthos means simply "tile" or "brick." English writers have used plinth, a shortened version of the Latin form plinthus, since the mid-16th century. The word's meaning was later extended to bases for statues, vases, or busts.

Examples of plinth in a Sentence

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The power button is located on the underside of the plinth. New Atlas, 2 July 2025 Have stood the plinth of finance from which angels crowd and watch the air happening gradually to them. Timmy Straw, Harpers Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 After placing the trophy on a plinth at the Allianz Arena, Pastore stepped back and watched the jubilant PSG players file past. James Horncastle, New York Times, 1 June 2025 On colorful plinths made by Sarabande artist Adam, the brand showcased their special edition of Vintage 2015 in tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for plinth

Word History

Etymology

Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of plinth was in 1563

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Cite this Entry

“Plinth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plinth. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

plinth

noun
1
: the lowest part of the base of an architectural column
2
: a block used as a base (as for a vase)

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