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

On weekends, sometimes a jazz band performs behind the stairwell and revelers dance in the eaves. —Xuan Juliana Wang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Attach the netting to overhanging eaves and angle back to the area on the siding where the damage occurs, or drape it over stakes to keep them away from deck posts, says Mengak. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

These nests can be found along roof eaves, window corners, in mailboxes, and on sturdy plant leaves. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026

Suggestions for this zone are to remove combustible items and vegetation; screen vents and fill gaps in or totally enclose eaves; and clear debris from a home’s roof, gutters and deck. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 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