kiln

noun

\ ˈkiln

, ˈkil

Definition of kiln

: an oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying

Other Words from kiln Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about kiln

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Did You Know?

Kiln has been a part of the English language for over 1,000 years, its first known use in Old English (as "cyline") dating back to the early 700s. Unlike many words that descend from Old English, however, "kiln" is not ultimately Germanic in origin but was borrowed from Latin culina, meaning "kitchen," an ancestor of the English word culinary. In the 14th century, speakers of Middle English began to drop the "n" at the end of the word, and even to this day some English speakers pronounce "kiln" so that it rhymes with "mill." In fact, like "kiln," "mill" (from Late Latin molina) was originally spelled and pronounced with a terminal "n." Unlike "mill," however, "kiln" has retained the final "n" in spelling, if not always in pronunciation.

Examples of kiln in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But putting shaped clay in a kiln is less risky than the local artist’s current project: applying an acetylene torch to paper. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, "In the galleries: Some art is sultry, while other pieces are smoky," 19 July 2019 Jan Agha, a 65-year-old who works alongside Atiqullah’s family in the brick kilns, has little hope for the future. — Washington Post, "Mired in poverty, Afghans bring their children to work," 24 July 2019 There are nine kilns on the property, both commercial and hand-built, wood, gas or electric. — Sarah Honosky, Washington Post, "Ceramics residency hidden away on Virginia plantation," 14 June 2019 The complex will include a sawmill, two lumber storage facilities, three kilns and two finish facilities. — William Thornton | [email protected], al.com, "Pike County getting $500,000 grant for sawmill project," 2 July 2019 The gas can be incinerated in special kilns, breaking the molecules into a benign mixture. — National Geographic, "One overlooked way to fight climate change? Dispose of old CFCs.," 29 Apr. 2019 Images were impressed in clay – some using molds that Dyer had made – then fired in a kiln. — Mary Schneidau Sullivan, baltimoresun.com, "Laurel Arts Council creates projects people can live with," 7 June 2019 Once the rebar is worked into the designer shapes, millwork, kiln cast glass, marble, leather, and final details are added to finish off the design. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "A Bold and Sculptural New Furniture Collection Inspired by the Basics," 26 Feb. 2019 New York Gold beater’s block, repoussé hammer, solder pick, bezel pusher, burnishers, pliers, the torch and the kiln. — Laura Jacobs, WSJ, "‘A View From the Jeweler’s Bench’ Review: A Glittering Education," 27 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kiln.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for kiln

kiln

noun

English Language Learners Definition of kiln

: an oven or furnace that is used for hardening, burning, or drying something (such as pottery)

See the full definition for kiln in the English Language Learners Dictionary

kiln

noun

\ ˈkiln

, ˈkil\

Kids Definition of kiln

: a furnace or oven in which something (as pottery) is hardened, burned, or dried

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kiln

Definition of kiln

Other Words from kiln

Did You Know?

Examples of kiln in a Sentence

First Known Use of kiln

History and Etymology for kiln

English Language Learners Definition of kiln

Kids Definition of kiln

kiln

Definition of kiln

Other Words from kiln

Did You Know?

Examples of kiln in a Sentence

First Known Use of kiln

History and Etymology for kiln

English Language Learners Definition of kiln

Kids Definition of kiln

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