pediment

noun

ped·​i·​ment ˈpe-də-mənt 

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

pedimental

ˌpe-də-ˈmen-tᵊl 

adjective

pedimented

ˈpe-də-ˌmen-təd 

adjective

Examples of pediment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other international traditions, including tribal African art, Mesoamerican pyramid temples, and the pediments of ancient Greek temple design also influenced the look of Art Deco. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026

The images showed one notable change to an earlier design: a pediment will no longer adorn the south face of the ballroom. —Arden Farhi, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

But the pediment on the east portico (not shown in the view above) remains and its height is about four feet taller than the roof of the executive residence. —New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

The rendering also showcased a new architectural feature that the old East Wing facade didn’t have: A pediment above the columns. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of obsolete English periment, probably alteration of English pyramid

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pediment

• sediment
• impediment

Kids Definition

pediment

noun

ped·​i·​ment ˈped-ə-mənt 

: a triangular space forming the gable of a roof in classic architecture