noun

lintel

/ˈlɪntəl/ · say it: LIN·tuhl

the horizontal support above a door or window

In more detail

1. (noun) a horizontal beam or stone that forms the top of a doorway, window, or other opening and supports the weight of the structure above it

Examples

The carved wooden lintel above the door was decorated with intricate patterns.

How to use lintel

A lintel is a specific architectural or structural element found in buildings, most commonly referenced in construction, renovation, and historical contexts. It is a neutral, technical term used when discussing building design or structural components, and appears frequently in architecture, engineering, and home improvement discussions.

Common phrases

stone lintel
wooden lintel
above the lintel
lintel of the door
reinforced lintel

Synonyms

beam · header · cross-beam · support

Word family

linteled (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse lintel with sill (the horizontal part at the bottom of an opening); a lintel is above the opening while a sill is below it.

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