What does lath mean?
A lath is a thin, narrow strip of wood used chiefly in construction, especially to form the framework that supports plaster. A single lath may be nailed across studs or other structural members, and a collection of laths is known collectively as lathing. In traditional plasterwork, the strips create a stable surface onto which wet plaster can be applied, allowing the finished wall or ceiling to remain level while drying. The word can also refer more broadly to such a framework. Although lath is still readily understood and appears in discussions of building methods, it is more specialized than words such as board or plank, because it specifically suggests a relatively narrow strip used as a support. In the verb form, to lath means to fit or cover a surface with these strips, though this use is uncommon in everyday speech.
A thin, narrow strip of wood, especially one used to form a framework for plaster or other finishes.
"The plaster fell away, revealing the laths beneath."
To cover or line a surface with wooden laths.
"The old wall was lathed before the first coat of plaster was applied."
The standard plural is laths, used for individual wooden strips.
"The workers nailed several laths across the wall."
A lath is the hidden skeleton of many traditional plastered walls: slender wooden strips that support the plaster and give the finished surface its shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How lath is actually used
The noun is chiefly a building and construction term, especially in traditional plasterwork. In the singular it can mean one strip; in the mass sense it can refer collectively to a framework of strips. The verb is much less common than the noun and is mainly used in construction contexts.
Easily confused with lath
A lath is a narrow strip of wood, whereas a lathe is a machine used for turning wood, metal, or other materials.