What does "scantling" mean?
The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
Scantling
/ˈskæntlɪŋ/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
- Grammar: scantling is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: beam, dimensions, joist, lumber.
- Useful contrasts: metal, stone, thickness.
- Usage evidence: For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes.
How to use "scantling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "scantling" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "scantling" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "scantling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "scantling" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "scantling" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "beam" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "scantling", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft. countable, in-plural, uncountable
- 2 an upright in house framing wordnet
- 3 A small portion, a scant amount. archaic, countable, uncountable
"For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes."
- 4 A small, upright beam of timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square. countable, uncountable
- 5 Timber in the form of small beams and pieces. uncountable
"Victor, with hammer and nails and scraps of scantling, was patching a corner of one of the galleries."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A rough draught; a crude sketch or outline. countable, obsolete, uncountable
- 7 A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"These casks should be placed upon scantling or scaffolding , and not upon the ground in the cellar"
Adjective
- 1 Not plentiful; small; scanty.
"Heav'ns Glorie to atchieve, what scantling Span Hath the frail Pilgrimage of Man!"
Example
"For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "scantling"?
Common synonyms include: beam, dimensions, joist, lumber, measurements, proportions.
How do you use "scantling" in a sentence?
For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes.
How do you pronounce "scantling"?
Pronounced /ˈskæntlɪŋ/.
Etymology
Alteration of scantillon + -ling, from Old French escantillon (“sample pattern”) (Modern French échantillon). Later senses also influenced by similarity with scant.