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

The en suite is equally beautiful and detailed in Carrera marble, including tiled wainscot walls and a tile floor. —Monica Lander, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024

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