eave

noun

ˈēv 

1

: the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall

—usually used in plural

2

: a projecting edge (as of a hill)

—usually used in plural

Examples of eave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those drawn to that kind of fantasy retreat, however, might find a 1970s West Coast home—nestled into a granite boulder field and distinguished by a roofline with deep, scalloped eaves—an appealing alternative. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2026

Hare walks around the outside of her home every month, looking for any holes around windows, doors, hose bibs, and under the eaves. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026

Remove cobwebs from eaves and corners. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

Focus on spots where wasps tend to cluster — under eaves, near outdoor dining areas and around garden structures. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eves (singular), from Old English efes; akin to Old High German obasa portico, Old English ūp up — more at up

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for eave

• breve
• cleave
• cleeve
• cleve
• eve
• grieve
• heave
• leave
• lieve
• neve
• reeve
• sheave

Kids Definition

eave

noun

ˈēv 

: the lower edge of a roof that sticks out beyond the wall of a building

—usually used in plural