wainscot

noun wain·scot \ ˈwān-skət , -ˌskōt , -ˌskät \

Definition of wainscot

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

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Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

The foyer is elegant — an oval room with an oval-domed ceiling and oak wainscot that’s chest-high.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "Northville manor house features many Tudor-like touches," 1 July 2017
The fastest and least expensive wainscot installation is the glue-and-nail method.

— roy berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "How to Install Bead-Board Wainscoting," 13 Feb. 2017
That meant ditching the wainscot in the bedrooms and replacing the outdated moldings.

— stacie stukin, ELLE Decor, "Interior Designer To The Stars Remodels A Hamptons Home," 19 July 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wainscot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of wainscot

Middle English, from Middle Dutch wagenschot, probably from wagen wagon + schot shot, crossbar

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom

wainscot

verb

Definition of wainscot

wainscoted or wainscotted; wainscoting or wainscotting

transitive verb

:to line with or as if with boards or paneling

Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

The baseboard, molding and wainscoting mega cleaning of 2017?

— by sherry kuehl, kansascity.com, "The fifth of July is no holiday for those who love summer," 5 July 2017
Despite the controversy, Kislyak is frequently described as an affable, even jovial, envoy who has made friends from the halls of university think tanks to Washington’s wainscoted salons.

— tracy wilkinson, The Seattle Times, "Russia’s Ambassador Sergey Kislyak on his way out," 27 June 2017
The entire restaurant — the tin wainscoted dining room, the semi-open kitchen, the door to the bathroom — is visible from our corner table.

— brett anderson, NOLA.com, "'He's got the flavors down': Gumbo Stop keeps regulars coming to the table," 7 June 2017
A rooftop deck and balconies look out on the Pacific from the three-story residence, with its hardwood floors, wainscoting and beamed ceilings.

— marilyn kalfus, Orange County Register, "Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt selling ocean-view Newport Beach house," 28 Apr. 2017
A rooftop deck and balconies look out on the Pacific from the three-story residence, with its hardwood floors, wainscoting and beamed ceilings.

— marilyn kalfus, The Mercury News, "Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt selling Southern California beach house," 28 Apr. 2017

First Known Use of wainscot

1570

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

WAINSCOT Defined for Kids

wainscot

noun wain·scot \ ˈwān-skət , -ˌskōt , -ˌskät \

Definition of wainscot for Students

:the bottom part of an inside wall especially when made of material different from the rest

Learn More about wainscot

See words that rhyme with wainscot Spanish Central: Translation of wainscot Nglish: Translation of wainscot for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wainscot

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wainscot

Definition of wainscot

Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

Origin and Etymology of wainscot

Other Building Terms

wainscot

Definition of wainscot

Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

First Known Use of wainscot

Other Building Terms

WAINSCOT Defined for Kids

wainscot

Definition of wainscot for Students

Learn More about wainscot

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wainscot

Definition of wainscot

From the M-W Editors

Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

Origin and Etymology of wainscot

Other Building Terms

wainscot

Definition of wainscot

Recent Examples of wainscot from the Web

First Known Use of wainscot

Other Building Terms

WAINSCOT Defined for Kids

wainscot

Definition of wainscot for Students

Learn More about wainscot

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