eave

noun

ˈēv 

1

: the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall

—usually plural

2

: a projecting edge (as of a hill)

—usually plural

Examples of eave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Post-lockdown, the property welcomed a sprawling new penthouse, tucked up in the castle’s eaves, the perfect vantage point from which to take in views of the Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, and the Mull of Kintyre. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

But Beaty argued that the underside of the roof eaves are 20 feet above the scaffolding and that scaffolding hasn’t been erected around the rest of the marble building to protect it or examine other parts of the roof. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Existing trees could stay in Zone 0, but within three years branches would have to be trimmed to be 5 or more feet above roofs and kept clear of eaves. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

That Safety Zone would be at least one foot wide or extend to the edge of the roof eaves, whichever is farther. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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