Which of the following best defines a Wythe in masonry?

• A. A horizontal beam at mid-height
• B. A type of roofing shingle
• C. A decorative finish coat
• D. A single continuous vertical wall of masonry units

Answer: (D)

A wythe is a vertical section of masonry that forms a wall, typically one unit thick. It’s the primary vertical element in masonry construction, so each wythe is a continuous layer of bricks or blocks. Walls can consist of multiple wythes—two or more parallel vertical layers connected by ties or separated by an air space in a cavity wall. The other options describe horizontal features or surface finishes rather than a vertical masonry layer: a horizontal beam at mid-height is a belt or lintel, a roofing shingle is roofing material, and a decorative finish coat is plaster or stucco. So the best definition is a single continuous vertical wall of masonry units.