tenon

1 of 2

noun

ten·​on ˈte-nən 

: a projecting member in a piece of wood or other material for insertion into a mortise to make a joint see dovetail illustration

tenon

2 of 2

verb

tenoned; tenoning; tenons

transitive verb

1

: to unite by a tenon

2

: to cut or fit for insertion in a mortise

Examples of tenon 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

The hardwood frame uses traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, so this isn’t something that's going to wobble or creak on you. — Emma Tubbs, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026

At the heart of it all, a floating staircase—crafted with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery—suspends between masonry and exposed studs, leading to a bright, airy interior with three wood-burning fireplaces. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tenoun, tenowne, borrowed from Anglo-French tenoun, from tenir "to hold" + -on, suffix of agent or instrument, going back to Latin -ōn-, -ō, suffix of nouns denoting persons with a prominent feature — more at tenant entry 1

Verb

derivative of tenon entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tenon

• tusk tenon

Rhymes for tenon

• pennon
• rennin

Kids Definition

tenon

noun

ten·​on

ˈten-ən

: a projecting part in a piece of material (as wood) for insertion into a mortise to make a joint