lean-to

1 of 2

noun

plural lean-tos ˈlēn-ˌtüz How to pronounce lean-to (audio)
1
: a wing or extension of a building having a lean-to roof
2
: a rough shed or shelter with a lean-to roof

lean-to

2 of 2

adjective

: having only one slope or pitch
a lean-to roof
see roof illustration

Examples of lean-to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Instead, the family only made it as far as Mexico City and were stuck, in late September, living in a tent in plaza crowded with dozens of other tents and lean-tos, where people from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Angola and other countries were all struggling to keep out the rain. Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024 For example, Tatiana Trouvé’s ongoing installation Between Sky and Earth—the former woodland camp of a being called The Guardian, who left behind bronze objects like books, shoes, and a lean-to—originated elements of several newer works. Kate Dwyer, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2024 One evening, the staff arranged sundowner cocktails at one of two rustic lean-tos on the property, a spot with a sweeping view of the mountains and a roaring campfire. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2024 There are also 12 lean-tos on the northern stretch of the trail, between Lake Placid and Long Lake. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2024 Across the road was an encampment of tents and lean-tos along a chain-link fence. CBS News, 6 July 2024 Places to Stay Campgrounds Visitors looking to camp have their choice between two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024 History buffs probably won’t be the only ones fascinated as the movie slows down to show how Crockett constructs a lean-to shelter in the wilderness while recovering from his injuries, and later manages to coax a wild horse to become his replacement mount. Joe Leydon, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 The effect, when the glass doors are fully open, is that of a luxurious lean-to. Tim McKeough, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024
Adjective
No one quite knows how—imagine trying to arrange several Volvos in a lean-to shape in a time before the wheel—or why. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lean-to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean-to was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lean-to

Cite this Entry

“Lean-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean-to. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lean-to

1 of 2 noun
ˈlēn-ˌtü
plural lean-tos
1
: a wing of a building having a lean-to roof
2
: a rough shed or shelter having a lean-to roof

lean-to

2 of 2 adjective
: having only one slope or pitch
lean-to roof

More from Merriam-Webster on lean-to

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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