soffit

noun sof·fit \ ˈsä-fət \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

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

Things like roofs, vents, rain gutters, windows, garages, patio covers, eaves and soffits, walls, fences and chimneys should be assessed.

— cassie dickman, sacbee, "Fire season is here. State officials ask: Are you ready?," 9 June 2018
The library’s main entry steps would lead to an outdoor plaza with seating space, and the existing roof and windows would be replaced, facade tuckpointed and bricks, stone, wood and soffits repaired.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Developers to make case for building surrounding old Nichols Library at commission hearing," 24 May 2018
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

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1592

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Architecture Terms

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

Learn More about soffit

See words that rhyme with soffit

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up soffit? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

soffit

Definition of soffit

Recent Examples of soffit from the Web

Origin and Etymology of soffit

Other Architecture Terms

Learn More about soffit

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

gaffer

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Difference Between Dependent and Independent Clauses

'Cliché': We’ve Heard It All Before

Some Notes On 'Asshat'

A Few Rounds with 'Happy Hour'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

The Eponym Quiz

Semantic Drift Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

The Difference Between Dependent and Independent Clauses

The Eponym Quiz

Come Back Here With That: 10 Fun Words for Stealing

Trending: WaPo: Doocy 'Incomparably Sequacious'

Ghost Word

soffit

Definition of soffit

Recent Examples of soffit from the Web

Origin and Etymology of soffit

Other Architecture Terms

Learn More about soffit

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Difference Between Dependent and Independent Clauses

The Eponym Quiz

Come Back Here With That: 10 Fun Words for Stealing

Trending: WaPo: Doocy 'Incomparably Sequacious'

Ghost Word