lean-to

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēn-ˌtü 

plural lean-tos ˈlēn-ˌtüz 

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

The 400-square-foot building, sandwiched between two brick houses, was a two-chair barbershop in the early 1930s, with the Cassady family crammed into a lean-to on the back. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025

Out back, a fence will soon hug the tiny porch where visitors will still be able to see the lines on the brick where the lean-to’s roof was formerly affixed. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025

Another big advantage the Roof Space construction offers is a fuller dome tent stretching from end to end without a lean-to-style hard lid. —New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025

If possible, move your grill indoors, such as inside a garage, shed, or beneath a carport or lean-to. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 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

The 400-square-foot building, sandwiched between two brick houses, was a two-chair barbershop in the early 1930s, with the Cassady family crammed into a lean-to on the back. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025

In late September, migrants battled rain and filth from their camping tents and makeshift lean-tos. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lean-to

• ayuntamiento

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