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 rooms vary in size, ranging from just under 200 square feet for the Village Cosy to 775 square feet for the gorgeous two-story Mountain Loft with a bedroom and a living room on the lower level and another bedroom in the eaves on the upper level. —Becky Sunshine, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025

Our home contractors suggest keeping the tallest branches of our crape myrtle away from gutters and eaves to prevent roof rats, which have been a problem, from getting into our crawl space. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025

In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Domestic ducks and roof-nesting jackdaws head for the eaves and flap their wings, and the heron’s sharp cry trails off on the waves. —Aratus, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 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