Dowel

/ˈdaʊəl/ · noun

Meaning

A pin, or block, of wood or metal, fitting into holes in the abutting portions of two pieces, and being partly in one piece and partly in the other, to keep them in their proper relative position..

Definitions by Sense

1. A pin, or block, of wood or metal, fitting into holes in the abutting portions of two pieces, and being partly in one piece and partly in the other, to keep them in their proper relative position.
2. A wooden rod, as one to make short pins from.
3. (construction) A piece of wood or similar material fitted into a surface not suitable for fastening so that other pieces may be fastened to it.
4. (transitive) To fasten together with dowels.
5. (transitive) To furnish with dowels.

Example Sentences

This twenty-four-piece starter set uses twelve thirty-six-inch-long dowels (or nine forty-eight-inch dowels) cut to these rod lengths. Lay out the cuts so you use the entire length of each dowel without any leftover scraps.

The wheels were solid, two half discs dowelled against the hub, and the chariots were pulled along by oxen or asses.

A cooper dowels pieces for the head of a cask.

Synonyms for dowel

Antonyms for dowel

Related Words

Word Forms

• dowels
• doul
• doweling
• dowelling
• doweled
• dowelled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions