noun

stucco

/ˈstʌkoʊ/ · say it: STUCK·oh

a fine plaster used for coating walls and moldings

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a coating made of cement, sand, and lime that is applied to walls or buildings to protect and decorate them

2. (verb) to coat a wall or building with stucco

Examples

1. The house has a white stucco finish that reflects the heat.
2. They decided to stucco the old brick wall to give it a fresh appearance.

How to use stucco

Stucco refers both to the material itself and the act of applying it to exterior or interior walls for aesthetic and protective purposes. It is commonly used in Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Southwestern architectural styles. The term is more specific than the general word 'plaster' and implies a durable, decorative exterior coating.

Common phrases

stucco wall
stucco finish
stucco building
apply stucco
stucco facade
cracked stucco

Synonyms

plaster · render · coating · finish

Word family

stuccoed (adjective) · stuccowork (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse stucco with plaster; while related, stucco is typically used for exterior applications and is more weather-resistant, whereas plaster is often used indoors.

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