lathe

1 of 2

noun

: a machine in which work is rotated about a horizontal axis and shaped by a fixed tool

lathe

2 of 2

verb

lathed; lathing

transitive verb

: to cut or shape with a lathe

Examples of lathe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
To collect grain or operate a lathe was to strike a hammer blow at world imperialism. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2017 My engineering manager, Shawn, started off in a shop on a lathe at age eighteen and had three kids. John Gardner, Fortune, 23 July 2024 While the structure had been empty for years, timber and lathe were all the fire needed to hollow out the building, which Heggstrom said lacked modern fire-suppression capabilities and fire alarms. Vincent Medina, Sacramento Bee, 16 June 2024 Highlighting a dial hand-engraved on a rose engine lathe, Breguet’s 39mm white gold Classique 7237 features a self-winding movement with perpetual calendar; $80,200, at Breguet, Beverly Hills This story first appeared in the Feb. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lathe 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from Middle English lath supporting stand

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lathe was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near lathe

Cite this Entry

“Lathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lathe. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lathe

noun
ˈlāt͟h
: a machine in which a piece of material is held and turned while being shaped by a tool

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