two-by-four

noun
\ ˌtü-bī-ˈfȯr How to pronounce two-by-four (audio) \

Definition of two-by-four

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a piece of lumber approximately 2 by 4 inches as sawed and usually 1 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches when dressed

two-by-four

adjective

Definition of two-by-four (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : small or petty of its kind this house and its two-by-four garden— Philip Barry
2 : measuring two units (such as inches) by four

First Known Use of two-by-four

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for two-by-four

two-by-four

noun

English Language Learners Definition of two-by-four

US : a piece of wood that has been cut to be long and straight so that it can be used for building things and that is about 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide