noun

mortar

/ˈmɔːrtər/ · say it: MOR·ter

the paste that bonds bricks or stones together

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to hold bricks or stones together in construction

2. (noun) a small gun that fires bombs or shells in a high arc

3. (noun) a bowl-shaped container in which substances are crushed into powder using a tool called a pestle

Examples

1. The bricks were cemented together with mortar.
2. The soldiers fired mortars at the enemy position.
3. She ground the spices in a mortar and pestle.

How to use mortar

Mortar has distinct meanings depending on context: in construction, it is the adhesive paste between bricks; in weaponry, it refers to a specific type of artillery; in cooking and medicine, it is the grinding vessel paired with a pestle. The context makes the intended meaning clear. In all cases, the pronunciation remains the same.

Common phrases

mortar and pestle
mortar joint
spread mortar
mortar board
heavy mortar

Synonyms

cement · binding agent · adhesive

Word family

mortared (verb/adjective) · mortarless (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse mortar with grout, which is similar but used to fill gaps after tiling rather than to bind bricks during construction.

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