wainscot

1 of 2

noun

wain·​scot ˈwān-skət 

-ˌskōt, 

-ˌskät 

1

British : a fine grade of oak imported for woodwork

2

a(1)

: a usually paneled wooden lining of an interior wall

(2)

: a lining of an interior wall irrespective of material

b

: the lower three or four feet (about one meter) of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall

wainscot

2 of 2

verb

wainscoted or wainscotted; wainscoting or wainscotting

transitive verb

: to line with or as if with boards or paneling

Examples of wainscot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Megan also preserved most of the wood flooring as well as the abundant cypress wainscot panels and millwork, hiring local craftspeople to refurbish them. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026

Other design details that add to the home’s historic character include wide-plank white oak floorboards, wainscot paneling, plaster walls, and polished brass fittings. —Mark David, Robb Report, 17 May 2024

Verb

Like a modern version of wainscoting, blue-gray paint covers the lower half of the hallway walls and doors, lining up with the base of the wall-mount bookshelves. —Kit Selzer, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2020

White wainscoting panels carry throughout the guest area. —Mary Wakeford, azcentral, 9 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle Dutch wagenschot, probably from wagen wagon + schot shot, crossbar

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1570, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wainscot

noun

wain·​scot

ˈwān-skət, 

-ˌskōt, 

-ˌskät

1

: a usually paneled wooden lining of the wall of a room

2

: the lower three or four feet (about one meter) of an interior wall when finished differently from the rest