What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smithy
Example
The old smithy in town has been in operation for over a century. [smithy: noun]
Example
He spent the afternoon in the smithy, hammering out a new horseshoe. [smithy: noun]
foundry
Example
The foundry produces thousands of metal parts every day. [foundry: noun]
Example
She works at the foundry, pouring molten metal into molds. [foundry: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foundry is more commonly used than smithy in modern language. Foundry is associated with industrial manufacturing and is used to produce metal objects in large quantities. Smithy is less common and refers to a traditional craft of shaping metal by hand.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smithy and foundry?
Both smithy and foundry are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, foundry may be used in technical or industrial settings where metalworking is discussed.
