pantile

American  

[pan-tahyl] / ˈpænˌtaɪl /

noun

1. a roofing tile straight in its length but curved in its width to overlap the next tile.

2. a tapered, semicylindrical roofing tile laid either convex side up to overlap flanking similar tiles laid concave side up or vice versa.

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pantile British  

/ ˈpænˌtaɪl /

noun

1. a roofing tile, with an S-shaped cross section, laid so that the downward curve of one tile overlaps the upward curve of the adjoining tile

2. a tapering roofing tile with a semicircular cross section, laid alternately so that the convex side of one tile overlaps the concave side of adjoining tiles

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Etymology

Origin of pantile

First recorded in 1630–40; pan ¹ + tile

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pantile

A quiet, steep lane leads down through fishermen's cottages with their orange pantile roofs to a waterside hotel and the sea.

From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2026

It was then clad in black weather boarding and a pantile roof, connecting it with traditional Suffolk architecture.

From BBC ● Feb. 20, 2023

Nothing can exceed its neatness; the streets are well paved, the foot-way, as in all the old American cities, is of brick, like the old pantile walk at Tunbridge Wells.

From Domestic Manners of the Americans by Trollope, Fanny

The houses of the town are 2 or 3 stories high, the walls thick and strong, being built with stone, with a covering of pantile; and many of them have balconies.

From A Voyage to New Holland by Dampier, William

The houses have mostly strong walls built with stone and covered with pantile.

From A Voyage to New Holland by Dampier, William

Related Words

• brick
• plate
• shingle