What does mitring mean?
Mitring is the process of joining two pieces at an angle by cutting or bevelling their ends so that they meet neatly in a continuous line. The technique is widely used in woodworking, picture framing, skirting boards, and decorative mouldings, where it allows separate sections to resemble a single unbroken length. Mitring also appears in roof construction, particularly where angled pieces meet. Although mitring may refer to the operation itself, the resulting corner is commonly called a mitre or mitred joint. British English normally uses the spelling mitring, while American English commonly writes mitering. The word belongs primarily to the vocabulary of carpentry and construction, although it can also be used more generally whenever two lines or sections are designed to meet at an angle. Its practical appeal lies in turning an otherwise conspicuous junction into a precise and visually continuous seam.
nounThe process of joining two pieces at an angle by bevelling their ends so that their edges meet in a continuous line. It is especially associated with joining lengths of moulding, timber, and similar materials.
- The process of joining two pieces at an angle by cutting or bevelling their ends so that the meeting edges form a continuous line.
"Careful mitring gives the corners of the picture frame a seamless appearance."
"The carpenter used a mitring saw to cut the corners of the skirting board."
"The installation guide explains how to achieve accurate mitring at each corner."
Usually uncountable when referring to the process; the plural is uncommon and may denote individual angled joins.
"The installer checked the mitrings before applying the final finish."
The hidden art behind many polished frames and neat cornices: mitring makes separate pieces appear to form one continuous line.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mitring come from?
The word is formed from the verb mitre, meaning to join or trim at an angle. Mitre entered Middle English through Old French from Latin mitra, a borrowing of the Greek mitra, originally denoting a headband or headdress. The English word subsequently developed senses associated with the pointed ceremonial hat and with angled joins in construction.
Related word forms
How mitring is actually used
In British English, the usual US spelling is mitering. The term is primarily associated with woodworking, moulding, and decorative joinery.
Easily confused with mitring
A mitre is the angled joint itself, or the ceremonial bishop's hat, whereas mitring names the process of forming an angled joint.
Mitering is the usual US spelling; mitring is the standard British spelling.