Pronunciation: [ɹˈabɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "rabbet" can be confusing for some. It is spelled with two b's and one t, but the pronunciation is different than what one would expect. The word is pronounced as "rab-it" and is often used in carpentry to refer to a groove or notch that is cut into a piece of wood to fit another piece of wood. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rabbet" is /ˈræbɪt/, where the stress is on the first syllable.
A rabbet is a term used in woodworking and carpentry to describe a rectangular groove or channel cut into the edge or end of a piece of wood. It is typically created by removing material from the surface to form a recess or step, allowing pieces of wood to fit together securely. The rabbet can be cut along the length of the wood (long rabbet) or across its width (end rabbet).
Rabbets serve various purposes in woodworking. They are commonly used to join pieces of wood together, such as in joining cabinet corners or constructing drawer frames. The rabbeted joint provides added strength and stability to the connection. Additionally, a rabbet can be used to fit panels or glass into frames, ensuring a snug fit and preventing movement or displacement.
Rabbets can be created using various tools, such as a rabbet plane, chisel, table saw, or router. The depth and width of the rabbet can vary depending on the specific application and the thickness of the materials being joined.
In summary, a rabbet refers to a rectangular groove or step cut into a piece of wood or other material. It is commonly used in woodworking to create secure joints or to fit panels into frames. Rabbets are essential in constructing furniture, cabinets, and other wooden structures, and their proper execution is crucial for achieving sturdy and precision joinery.
• In carpentry, a groove cut in the edge of a piece of timber or plank in order that it may lap over, or evenly fit, another like piece; that part of the keel, stern, and stern-post of a ship which is cut for the plank of the bottom to fit into.
• To lap over and unite by a rabbet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word rabbet is derived from the Middle English term rebate or rebattre (meaning to beat back or to reduce). It was originally used in the 14th century as a verb meaning to cut a groove or channel or to form a recess or groove in wood or stone. Over time, the noun form of the word emerged, referring to the groove or recess itself. The word ultimately derives from the Old French term rebattre.
