Definition

A type of paneling that covers the lower part of a wall, often made of wood or other materials.

Example

The dining room was beautifully decorated with elegant wainscoting.

Conversation

Have you seen the new restaurant downtown?

Yeah, I went there last weekend; the decor is amazing!

I loved the wainscoting they used on the walls.

It really adds a nice touch to the atmosphere!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wainscoting → It is formed from 'wain' (from Old English *wægn*, meaning wagon or cart) and 'scot' (from Old French *escot*, meaning a partition or panel). The word refers to wooden paneling that originally was used to line the lower part of walls, akin to the wooden sides of a wagon.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wain' as a wagon that carries wood, and 'scot' as a paneling that partitions space. This helps you remember that wainscoting is wooden paneling that lines the walls.

Visually Confused Words