lathe

1 of 2

noun

ˈlāt͟h 

: a machine in which work is rotated about a horizontal axis and shaped by a fixed tool

lathe

2 of 2

verb

lathed; lathing

transitive verb

: to cut or shape with a lathe

Examples of lathe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ternus, the colleague recalled, would spend about an hour in the morning reimagining a product with computer software, then walk into the in-house machine shop and fabricate the part himself on a mill or lathe. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

The lathe Wikimedia Commons Early forms of the lathe appeared in ancient Egypt and were later refined by Greek and Roman craftspeople. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

In 1822, Thomas Blanchard’s copying lathe automated the shaping of gunstocks. — Guru Madhavan, IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2026

The 18k white gold dial is hand-guilloché with a sunburst pattern executed on a vintage lathe. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from Middle English lath supporting stand

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lathe

• bathe

Kids Definition

lathe

noun

ˈlāt͟h

: a machine in which a piece of material is held and turned while being shaped by a tool