ridgepole

noun

ridge·​pole ˈrij-ˌpōl 

1

: the highest horizontal timber in a roof against which the upper ends of the rafters are fixed

2

: the horizontal pole at the top of a tent

Illustration of ridgepole

• 1 ridgepole 1
• 2 rafters

Examples of ridgepole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Erect a ridgepole between trees and tilt branches against one side to make a lean-to framework. —Keith McCafferty/field & Stream, Popular Science, 26 Jan. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ridgepole

noun

ridge·​pole ˈrij-ˌpōl 

1

: the highest horizontal timber in a sloping roof to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened

2

: the horizontal pole at the top of a tent