plural lean-tos
ˈlēn-ˌtüz 
1
: a wing or extension of a building having a lean-to roof
2
: a rough shed or shelter with a lean-to roof
: having only one slope or pitch
a lean-to roof
see roof illustration
Examples of lean-to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Out back, a fence will soon hug the tiny porch where visitors will still be able to see the lines on the brick where the lean-to’s roof was formerly affixed.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Another big advantage the Roof Space construction offers is a fuller dome tent stretching from end to end without a lean-to-style hard lid.
—New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025
If possible, move your grill indoors, such as inside a garage, shed, or beneath a carport or lean-to.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024
For example, Tatiana Trouvé’s ongoing installation Between Sky and Earth—the former woodland camp of a being called The Guardian, who left behind bronze objects like books, shoes, and a lean-to—originated elements of several newer works.
—Kate Dwyer, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2024
The 400-square-foot building, sandwiched between two brick houses, was a two-chair barbershop in the early 1930s, with the Cassady family crammed into a lean-to on the back.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
In late September, migrants battled rain and filth from their camping tents and makeshift lean-tos.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
Instead, the family only made it as far as Mexico City and were stuck, in late September, living in a tent in plaza crowded with dozens of other tents and lean-tos, where people from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Angola and other countries were all struggling to keep out the rain.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024
Josh Condon, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2023
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Noun
The 400-square-foot building, sandwiched between two brick houses, was a two-chair barbershop in the early 1930s, with the Cassady family crammed into a lean-to on the back.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Out back, a fence will soon hug the tiny porch where visitors will still be able to see the lines on the brick where the lean-to’s roof was formerly affixed.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Another big advantage the Roof Space construction offers is a fuller dome tent stretching from end to end without a lean-to-style hard lid.
—New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025
If possible, move your grill indoors, such as inside a garage, shed, or beneath a carport or lean-to.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024
For example, Tatiana Trouvé’s ongoing installation Between Sky and Earth—the former woodland camp of a being called The Guardian, who left behind bronze objects like books, shoes, and a lean-to—originated elements of several newer works.
—Kate Dwyer, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2024
The 400-square-foot building, sandwiched between two brick houses, was a two-chair barbershop in the early 1930s, with the Cassady family crammed into a lean-to on the back.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
In late September, migrants battled rain and filth from their camping tents and makeshift lean-tos.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
Instead, the family only made it as far as Mexico City and were stuck, in late September, living in a tent in plaza crowded with dozens of other tents and lean-tos, where people from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Angola and other countries were all struggling to keep out the rain.
—Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024
Adjective
No one quite knows how—imagine trying to arrange several Volvos in a lean-to shape in a time before the wheel—or why.
—Josh Condon, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Lean-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean-to. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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