lath

noun

ˈlath 

 also  ˈlat͟h

plural laths or lath

1

: a thin narrow strip of wood nailed to rafters, joists, or studding as a groundwork for slates, tiles, or plaster

2

: a building material in sheets used as a base for plaster

3

: a quantity of laths

lath transitive verb

Examples of lath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The gilded latticework trimming the balconies around the entrance appeared to be crumbling off, and large stretches of colorful plasterwork have worn away to reveal the chalky gray of lath and structural wood. —Carl David Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025

By the 21st century, the fundamental problem was that the building, including the redwood laths, had deteriorated. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025

The laths reduce sunlight to protect plants and facilitate air flow. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025

Fun facts: Built as part of the Panama-California Exposition, the Botanical Building is one of the largest wood lath structures in the world. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English *læthth-; akin to Old High German latta lath, Welsh llath yard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lath

• hath
• math
• path
• rath
• spath
• spathe
• strath
• wrath
• aftermath
• multipath
• psychopath
• bloodbath

Kids Definition

lath

noun

ˈlath 

 also  ˈlat͟h

plural laths or lath

: a thin narrow strip of wood used especially as a base for plaster

lath verb