gable

noun

ga·​ble ˈgā-bəl 

1

a

: the vertical triangular end of a building from cornice or eaves to ridge

b

: the similar end of a gambrel roof

c

: the end wall of a building

2

: a triangular part or structure

gabled

ˈgā-bəld 

adjective

Illustration of gable

• 1 gable 1a

Examples of gable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With its wide front porch, front-facing gables, and custom awnings, this mid-Atlantic style colonial exudes charm. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Nestled on almost half an acre shaded by a huge oak tree, with a nearby access point to Sag Harbor Cove, the Gothic Victorian’s white wood exterior features a dramatic turret, multiple gables, deep eaves, and oversized windows. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

The peaks of the house at 50 Fordune are more gradual than traditional farmhouse rooflines, which are pitched into either sharp triangular gables or barnlike gambrel arches. — Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 24 June 2026

Cockroaches also get in through soffits, gables, cracks, windows and unsealed garage doors. — Eva Flowe june 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Latin gabulus, gabulum "gibbet" (borrowed from Celtic *gablo- "fork," whence Old Irish gabul "fork, gibbet, groin," Welsh gafl "fork, groin"), perhaps influenced in sense by northern Middle English and Scots gavel "triangular end of a building," borrowed from Old Norse gafl

Note: The word gable, attested only in Anglo-French and the French of Normandy, is unlikely to be a loan from Old Norse, which would have resulted in *gavle. Old Norse gafl appears to correspond to Old High German gibil "gable," Middle Dutch and Middle Low German gevel, and Gothic gibla, though the divergence in vocalism is unexplained.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gable

• gable roof

Rhymes for gable

• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable
• table
• allocable
• educable
• irrigable
• purchasable

Kids Definition

gable

noun

ga·​ble ˈgā-bəl 

1

: the triangular part of an outside wall of a building that is formed by the sides of the roof sloping down from the ridgepole to the eaves

2

: a triangular structure (as over a door or window)

gabled

-bəld 

adjective

Biographical Definition

Gable

biographical name

Ga·​ble ˈgā-bəl 

(William) Clark 1901–1960 American actor