What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lumber
Example
The carpenter used lumber to build the frame of the house. [lumber: noun]
Example
The logging company harvested the lumber from the forest. [lumber: noun]
Example
The elephant lumbered through the jungle, breaking branches as it went. [lumbered: verb]
timber
Example
The house was built using high-quality timber. [timber: noun]
Example
The timber beams held up the roof of the barn. [timber: noun]
Example
The logger yelled 'timber!' as the tree fell to warn others to move out of the way. [timber: interjection]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lumber is more commonly used than timber in everyday language, particularly in North America. However, timber is more commonly used in the UK and Australia. Both words are commonly used in the logging and construction industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lumber and timber?
Both lumber and timber are relatively informal words, but timber may be slightly more formal due to its association with finished or decorative woodwork.
