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

Reduce embers that could pass through vents in eaves by installing metal mesh screening. — Hali Smith august 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026

Industrial-grade potassium cyanide was stored casually in a bucket under the eaves and could be obtained without any difficulty. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Repel Pests From Eaves and Wood Soffits Wasps, spiders, ants, and many other pests can get into your eaves, burrow into soffits, and make their way under roofing shingles, especially during the warmer months of the year. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

In this tall, slender building though, there’s a feel of being tucked away in the eaves of a guesthouse on some cobblestoned European side street, especially after the long and creaky elevator ride. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 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