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Definitions

two-by-four

[too-bahy-fawr, -fohr, -buh-] / ˈtu baɪˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr, -bə- /
ADJECTIVE
cramped
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crowded narrow packed small tiny
STRONG
circumscribed close confined crabbed pent restricted squeezed
WEAK
awkward closed in hemmed in illegible incommodious indecipherable irregular jammed in little minute tight tucked up uncomfortable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
big broad-minded empty enormous generous huge large
WEAK
free open uncongested uncramped uncrowded uninhibited unobstructed
NOUN
beam
Synonyms
STRONGEST
girder joist piling pillar plank pole shaft sill timber
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece jamb lintel pile post prop rafter scantling spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud
NOUN
rafter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beam
STRONG
axle balk bolster boom brace cantilever column crossbar crosspiece girder jamb joist lintel pile piling pillar plank pole post prop scantling shaft sill spar stanchion stay stringer strip strut stud timber

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nail the two-by-four lumber together, square it up and install a few diagonal braces to keep it square.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2023

U.S. homes are often framed with two-by-four construction, and they need lighter windows than heavier-built European homes.

From Scientific American • Jan. 21, 2022

I’ve never been on a cruise, so this was a view into a world I will never visit unless you hit me on the head with a two-by-four or give me tickets for free.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2020

People who worked in construction trades mailed two-by-four pieces of lumber to Mr. Volcker in protest.

From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2019

Frankie asked as he stepped over a broken two-by-four, coughed, and peered down the hallway.

From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau