eave

noun

1
: the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall
usually used in plural
2
: a projecting edge (as of a hill)
usually used in plural

Examples of eave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Javed makes a butterfly net out of a stick, a loop of reed and some of the thick cobwebs gathered from the house’s eaves. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 Oct. 2023 Tucked up into the third-floor eaves are two more bedrooms and a bathroom. Mark David, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2024 That’s because extreme radiant heat can crack windows or cause eaves and siding to catch fire, said Eric Knapp, a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station and one of the study’s authors. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023 Protected by the massive eaves of stone, the ancient homes have survived the centuries, including looting by early pot hunters. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 4 Jan. 2024 Decorate trees, eaves, porches, and more with these lights that are dustproof, durable, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 The lights have a strong adhesive backing and are easy to install on the eaves of your home, whether it’s made of wood, fiber, cement, metal, or vinyl. Katie Begley, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 Move tropical bromeliads and cold sensitive succulents under the eaves or patio cover to protect them from cold. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2023 Keep house vents clear of debris, and install one-eighth-inch metal mesh screening to prevent embers from making their way in through eaves, soffits, crawl space vents and under decks. Jeastman, oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of eave was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near eave

Cite this Entry

“Eave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eave. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

eave

noun
: the lower edge of a roof that sticks out beyond the wall of a building
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on eave

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