1. a vertical structural member in a roof truss that extends from the apex to the tie beam
Usage: architecture; construction
2. a vertical post on a ship's deck used for supporting rigging or equipment
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The carpenter installed a kingpost to support the roof's peak.
• The old barn's kingpost showed signs of weathering after decades of use.
• Engineers specified a steel kingpost for the warehouse construction.
• The ship's kingpost held the cargo boom in place.
• Inspectors checked the kingpost for structural integrity.
• The traditional timber frame relied on a central kingpost design.