What does mitered mean?
Mitered describes a joint, corner, or piece in which two surfaces are cut at complementary angles so they meet in a straight, precise seam. The technique is common in picture frames, door and window frames, crown molding, cabinetry, and other finished woodwork, as well as in stone and metal construction. A mitered joint is valued because it allows separate pieces to imitate a single continuous form while keeping the cut edges largely out of sight. The word is chiefly an American spelling; British usage often spells it 'mitred'. It is usually used as an adjective, although 'mitered' can also function as the past tense or past participle of 'miter', meaning to shape or join something with an angled cut.
adjectiveHaving joints or corners cut at an angle so that two pieces meet precisely without a gap. It is especially used of wood, stone, metal, and other building materials.
- Cut or joined with an angled miter joint.
- Having corners or edges formed by mitered joints.
"The cabinet maker used mitered joints to create a seamless frame for the bookcase."
"The carpenter cut the molding at a precise angle to form a mitered corner."
"The window frame has mitered joints that give the room a crisp, finished appearance."
A mitered joint turns two pieces into one clean angle, hiding the cut lines in a frame, crown, or picture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mitered come from?
The adjective is formed from 'miter', a word borrowed from Old French mitre, which in turn came from Greek mitra, a headband or cap. The woodworking sense developed from the angled joint used in making frames and moldings. Related English words include 'mitre' and 'mitral'; the British variant 'mitred' has the same origin and meaning.
Related word forms
How mitered is actually used
The spelling 'mitered' is especially common in American English; British English often uses 'mitred'. The term is primarily used in woodworking, construction, and architectural design.
Easily confused with mitered
'Mitred' is the British spelling of the same adjective, while 'mitered' is the standard American spelling.
A miter is the angled joint or the tool used to cut it; 'mitered' describes a piece or corner that has such a joint.