rabbet

1 of 2

noun

rab·​bet ˈra-bət 

: a channel, groove, or recess cut out of the edge or face of a surface

especially : one intended to receive another member (such as a panel)

rabbet

2 of 2

verb

rabbeted; rabbeting; rabbets

transitive verb

1

: to unite the edges of in a rabbet joint

2

: to cut a rabbet in

intransitive verb

: to become joined by a rabbet

Examples of rabbet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Historically, shiplap was used in the maritime industry to waterproof ships and keep them afloat due to the rabbet (grooves) cut in the top and bottom of the wood panels. —House Beautiful, 6 May 2023

Spread glue on the end rabbets, and clamp the pieces together. —Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023

Verb

Start by cutting the dados and rabbets slightly too narrow and testing the fit. —David Kaleko, Popular Science, 27 Jan. 2020

Crosscut the lid to 12 inches to remove any roughness on the ends created by rabbeting. —Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 31 Aug. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rabet, perhaps from Middle French rabat act of forcing down, from Old French rabattre to force down, fold over, reduce — more at rebate

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rabbet

• rabbet joint

Rhymes for rabbet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette