# hewn

/ˈhjun/ (US) · /hjˈuːn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hewn
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

cut or shaped from wood or stone with a sharp tool like an axe.

For teachers: cut or shaped from wood or stone with an axe, chisel, or similar cutting tool. Typically describes building materials, sculptures, or objects formed by cutting rather than moulding.

## Examples

- They use hewn logs to build the cabin.
- The old barn was built from hewn beams that still show the marks of the axe.
- The chapel altar, hewn from a single block of granite, had stood for centuries despite wind and war.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.