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

In the house’s eaves, where Sheraton and her husband kept cozy twin offices, the books awaited Slotnick, who specializes in out-of-print and antiquarian titles, and who’d been given first dibs. —Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024

Architectural Characteristics of Prairie-Style Homes From the outside, Prairie-style homes are identifiable by their use of horizontal lines and overhanging eaves. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2024

The angle of the roof directs the flow of rain and meltwater from ice or snow, allowing the water to run down toward the edges or eaves of the roof. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2024

From over a moat and under a tall gate, the heavy wooden teahouse appears with its black-tiled roof and upturned eaves, along with the sound of Mr. Yang’s clanging thermoses. —Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

eave

noun

ˈēv 

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

—usually used in plural