eave

noun

ˈēv 

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

Apex Pest Control said common carpenter bee nesting sites include wooden decks, railings and fences, as well as eaves, fascia boards and wooding siding. —Sarah Linn april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Fire hardening includes measures such as cutting back brush, installing fire resistant roofs and closing eaves to resist fire embers. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

This can include installing mesh covers over vents, fixing loose siding under eaves and rooflines, or filling small holes with expandable foam. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2026

Those drawn to that kind of fantasy retreat, however, might find a 1970s West Coast home—nestled into a granite boulder field and distinguished by a roofline with deep, scalloped eaves—an appealing alternative. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 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