soffit

noun sof·fit \ ˈsä-fət \

Definition of soffit

: the underside of a part or member of a building (as of an overhang or staircase); especially : the intrados of an arch

Recent Examples of soffit from the Web

Decorative soffits enhance the 10-foot ceilings in the living and dining rooms; oak floors have walnut inlays.

— marcelle sussman fischler, New York Times, "In Whitestone, Queens: New Homes with Bridge and River Views," 12 Sep. 2017
Removing the ceiling soffit means full-size 36-inch-high cabinets can replace the 30-inch-high metal ones, left.

— elle decor staff, ELLE Decor, "Electric Slide," 5 July 2012
Open soffit vents and holes around your roof can also be used by rats to enter your home.

— timothy dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Get Rid of Rats," 3 Oct. 2017
Decorative soffits enhance the 10-foot ceilings in the living and dining rooms

— marcelle sussman fischler, New York Times, "In Whitestone, Queens: New Homes with Bridge and River Views," 12 Sep. 2017
In classical architecture, dentils are a series of decorative tooth-like blocks typically used under the soffit of a cornice.

— susan langenhennig, NOLA.com, "Albert Ledner's legacy: New Orleans architect peppered the country with modernist marvels," 23 Aug. 2017
Be sure to check your home to make sure bats can’t enter: Seal up entry points such as gaps under the eaves or soffitMake sure the flashing on your chimney and the chimney cover is intact and in good condition.

— lynne saddler, Cincinnati.com, "Column: After mild winter, mosquitoes are on the rise," 30 May 2017
The roof project will include replacing damaged sheathing and using new, higher-grade shingles, as well as replacing soffit and facia, downspouts and gutters.

— janelle walker, Elgin Courier-News, "South Elgin OKs $1 million for village hall renovation," 22 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of soffit

French soffite, from Italian soffitto, from Vulgar Latin *suffictus, past participle of Latin suffigere to fasten underneath — more at suffix

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First Known Use: 1592

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Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

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