pediment

noun ped·i·ment \ ˈpe-də-mənt \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 2018

Definition of pediment

1 : a triangular space that forms the gable of a low-pitched roof and that is usually filled with relief sculpture in classical architecture; also : a similar form used as a decoration

2 : a broad gently sloping bedrock surface with low relief that is situated at the base of a steeper slope and is usually thinly covered with alluvial gravel and sand

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pedimental

play \ˌpe-də-ˈmen-tᵊl\ adjective

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pedimented

play \ˈpe-də-ˌmen-təd\ adjective

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Recent Examples of pediment from the Web

The drawing on the label is a doorway topped by an imposing neo-Georgian pediment.

— providence cicero, The Seattle Times, "Backed by his boss, John Howie, sommelier/master distiller Erik Liedholm pours his heart and talent into award-winning liquors," 20 June 2018
The pediments above the inner doors here include some of the most accomplished carving from the Angkor period.

— antonia neubauer, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to Asia," 5 Oct. 2016
Despite the narrowness of the main facade, Wilson managed to pack all the basic, neoclassical elements of early 20th-century library design into his building, including a wide, ennobling staircase, pediment, and columns.

— inga saffron, Philly.com, "The history in pictures of West Philadelphia's forgotten 'Flatiron building' | Inga Saffron," 20 May 2018
Rooftops, pennants, pediments, columns, and banners, in flaming shades of magenta, vermilion, chrome yellow, and aqua, as if King Arthur’s Court and Ringling Brothers joined forces and spent too much time in the sun.

— alexandra lange, Curbed, "Lessons from LA’s 1984 Summer Olympics," 17 May 2018
After the arguments, Rosenstein, his wife and two daughters posed for photos on the front steps of the court beneath the phrase ‘‘Equal Justice Under Law’’ etched into the pediment.

— mark sherman, BostonGlobe.com, "Rosenstein puts aside Russia inquiry to argue case at Supreme Court," 23 Apr. 2018
The major loss is Pope’s circular music room, with its skylight, narrow vestibules, and classical arch pediments.

— justin davidson, Daily Intelligencer, "This Time, a Much More Promising Attempt to Fix the Frick," 13 Apr. 2018
The biggest structural challenge of the renovation was to remove the ugly dormer and rebuild it, using Welsh slate tiles to clad the roof and Portland stone to recreate its original decorative pediment.

— ruth bloomfield, WSJ, "Luxury Homes in London With Ties to the Titanic," 11 Apr. 2018
Moreover, the form’s elements, from bases to columns to pediment sculpture, reflected the human body’s shape in a radical assertion of man’s presence and control, if not domination, over the landscape.

— brian t. allen, National Review, "Remembering Vincent Scully," 10 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pediment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.