mortise

1 of 2

noun

mor·​tise ˈmȯr-təs 

variants or less commonly mortice

: a hole, groove, or slot into or through which some other part of an arrangement of parts fits or passes

especially : a cavity cut into a piece of material (such as timber) to receive a tenon see dovetail illustration

mortise

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly mortice

mortised also morticed; mortising also morticing

transitive verb

1

: to join or fasten securely

specifically : to join or fasten by a tenon and mortise

2

: to cut or make a mortise in

Examples of mortise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her ideal finds feature mortise-and-tenon joinery secured with wood dowels, a traditional construction method that can make a piece more durable and easier to repair. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026

Check out those New England-style post caps, the fence salesman thought, that classic mortise-and-tenon construction. — Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 31 May 2026

Verb

It is mortised throughout and the home's joints were set in white lead. — Alice Adams, Houston Chronicle, 20 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mortays, from Anglo-French mortais

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mortise

• mortise lock

Kids Definition

mortise

1 of 2 noun

mor·​tise ˈmȯrt-əs 

: a hole or groove cut in a piece of wood or other material into which another piece fits so as to form a joint

mortise

2 of 2 verb

mortised; mortising

1

: to join or fasten securely especially by a tenon and mortise

2

: to cut a mortise in