Standard Lemma guide

tilework

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • tīlʹ-wûrk'
  • /ˈtaɪlˌwɜː(ɹ)k/
  • UK:
  • US:
  • rhymes with -aɪlwɜː(ɹ)k

1

noun

Meaning 1

The arrangement of tiles on a surface.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • Their bathroom renovation contractor did some beautiful tilework in their master bath.
  • Decorative tilework typically takes the form of mosaic upon the walls, floor, or ceiling of a building.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From tile + work. Compare Saterland Frisian Tichelwíerk (“tilework”), West Frisian tichelwurk, tegelwurk (“tilework”), Dutch tegelwerk (“tilework”).

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: laatoitus — the arrangement of tiles on a surface
  • Finnish: kaakelointi — the arrangement of tiles on a surface
  • Portuguese: azulejo — the arrangement of tiles on a surface
  • Russian: пли́точная кла́дка (plítočnaja kládka) — the arrangement of tiles on a surface
  • Spanish: trabajo de azulejo — the arrangement of tiles on a surface