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

The beetles, which typically appear in October and through the winter, often follow a pattern: they're attracted to light and warmth, and gather in large numbers on the side of houses, near windows or under eaves. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

The two bedrooms are secluded in a separate wing of the house, with the primary suite tucked behind the kitchen, while the pool and raised spa sit next to a wraparound terrace shaded by overhanging eaves. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025

Seal Gaps Caulk any cracks or gaps in siding or near doors and windows, and seal up any cracks or gaps around utility pipes, under eaves, or around the chimney. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

Around ten minutes into the experiment, the eaves were burning. —Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

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