What does quoin mean?
A quoin is a wedge-shaped block of stone or another material used to secure, reinforce, or form part of a structure, especially at the corner of a wall. The word is most common in architectural and construction contexts, where it distinguishes a particular shaped masonry piece from the broader term “cornerstone.” Quoins may also refer to wedges or locking devices used to secure other materials, such as blocks in a building or pieces of type in printing. The term is precise and technical rather than ornamental: it points to the practical geometry of a block that helps stabilize something. Although “cornerstone” is more widely understood, “quoin” is useful when discussing masonry details, conservation, construction methods, or the specific function of a corner or locking wedge.
nounA quoin is a wedge-shaped stone or block used to lock or support masonry, especially one forming or reinforcing an external corner. In some contexts, the term also refers to a locking wedge or similar piece used to secure a structure or mechanism.
- A wedge-shaped stone or block used in building, especially to form, reinforce, or lock an external corner.
- A wedge or locking device used to secure masonry, printing material, or another mechanism.
"The masons fitted each quoin carefully so that the wall's corners would remain strong."
"The restoration replaced several cracked quoins around the doorway."
"The engineer tightened the quoin to keep the frame firmly locked in place."
Use “quoins” when referring to more than one wedge, block, or locking piece.
"The craftsman repaired the quoins at each corner of the façade."
A quoin is literally a cornerstone in the broad sense: a small piece of masonry that helps hold an entire structure together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quoin come from?
The English word comes through French from the Latin “cuneus,” meaning a wedge. It entered English in the 17th century for an architectural block or wedge, reflecting the object's wedge-like shape. The related English form “coign” is an archaic spelling and variant of the same word, while “cuneate” and “cuneiform” belong to the same Latin root concerning wedges or wedge-shaped forms.
Related word forms
How quoin is actually used
The word is chiefly used in architecture, masonry, construction, and printing. In modern general writing, “cornerstone” is often more familiar, although a quoin is more specifically a shaped or locking block rather than the symbolic foundation stone of a building or institution.
Easily confused with quoin
A quoin is an architectural or locking block, whereas a coin is a piece of money, typically made from metal.