Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🟦 A tiled surface 🎨 Making tile patterns
tilework

tilework

5.1
The craft of making decorative surfaces using tiles
  • noun
  • /ˈtaɪlˌwɜrk/
translation icon : azulejería
  • Visitors admired the traditional tilework of the palace, which showcased the craftsmanship of the region.

Examples

  • The artisan displayed his stunning tilework at the art exhibit, featuring colorful patterns and intricate designs.

  • The bathroom renovation included beautiful tilework that added elegance and style to the space.

  • Inside the church, Richard shows Andrea the intricate tilework of the floor and points to the mosaic of the Madonna floating over the altar.

    Fiction book (1991)

Synonyms

tiling
vstilework
1 3.1

Covering a surface with tiles on floors or walls

focuses on decorative patterns and craft rather than simple coverage

How Complex

tilework
5.1

Surface Forms

tilework singular
tileworks plural

Morphology

tilework = tile + work (transparent) = tile + work

The meaning ('the art or process of creating decorative tile surfaces') is a straightforward reading of 'tile' + 'work' where 'work' denotes craft or activity.

Etymology

Tilework comes from the simple parts tile and work. A tile is a flat piece for floors or walls and work means 'skill' or 'craft', so tilework is the craft of making decorative patterns with tiles.