lath

noun

ˈlath 

 also  ˈlat͟h

plural laths or lath

1

: a thin narrow strip of wood nailed to rafters, joists, or studding as a groundwork for slates, tiles, or plaster

2

: a building material in sheets used as a base for plaster

3

: a quantity of laths

lath transitive verb

Examples of lath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fun facts: Built as part of the Panama-California Exposition, the Botanical Building is one of the largest wood lath structures in the world. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024

An acre-sized lath house provided shade for tender seedlings, and an innovative rainwater collection system provided water for irrigation six months of the year. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024

The project includes replacing all of the structure’s steel trusses, as well as all of its Redwood lath roof, which defines the building’s exterior. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024

Beams overhead are original and show where laths once crossed them. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English *læthth-; akin to Old High German latta lath, Welsh llath yard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lath

noun

ˈlath 

 also  ˈlat͟h

plural laths or lath

: a thin narrow strip of wood used especially as a base for plaster

lath verb