1. small pieces of lumber or timber, especially those used as structural supports
Usage: construction; carpentry
2. the dimensions or cross-sectional size of structural timber
Usage: technical; construction
3. the structural framework of a ship’s hull
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The carpenter ordered scantlings for the roof frame.
• The building code specifies minimum scantlings for load-bearing walls.
• We need 2×4 scantlings to complete the deck construction.
• The architect calculated the proper scantlings for the beam spans.
• The shipwright examined the scantlings of the old vessel.
• Standard scantlings vary depending on the structural requirements.