eave

[ eev ]

noun

1. Usually eaves. the overhanging lower edge of a roof.
2. Often eaves. the overhanging edge of anything, as a hat.

Other Words From

• eaved adjective
• un·eaved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eave¹

before 1000; Middle English eves, Old English efes; cognate with Old High German obisa, Gothic ubizwa hall; above, over

Example Sentences

As he worked one day, he found in the eaves of the porch roof a copy of The Washington Post from a day in 1933.

From Washington Post

Larry took that day’s Washington Post, rested it atop the 60-year-old newspaper and put them both back under the eaves.

From Washington Post

A corner office in direct sunlight is sweltering, while the conference room under the eaves of the building always requires a sweater.

From Nautilus

In one settlement, some of the houses are buried up to their eaves in sand.

From MIT Technology Review

We had a water truck on it by that point, so as soon as it went out, we hit the eaves with water and saved the house.

From Outside Online

"Now when I says 'eave—'eave," Bindle admonished the porter.

From Project Gutenberg

Such icicles may be sometimes seen a yard long, pendent from any eave or ledge.

From Project Gutenberg

The light within the eave was a dusky twilight at the entrance, which failed altogether in the inner recesses.

From Project Gutenberg

A robin had been perched upon a stone griffin sculptured on a house-eave near.

From Project Gutenberg

We looked and could see the handle of the key sticking out of the eave over the door.

From Project Gutenberg