English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -iːvz

Noun

eaves

1. The underside of a roof that extends beyond the external walls of a building

Related terms

• eavesdrop
• eaves trough

Translations

An eave is the edge of a roof. Eaves usually project beyond the side of the building generally to provide weather protection. Some buildings, such as Craftsman bungalows, have very wide eaves with decorative brackets.

The word eave can also refer to the part of a sloping roof that overhangs the wall or the soffit, the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall.

In passive solar building design, the eave may be extended to control the amount of solar light and heat entering the window(s).

See also

• Eavesdrip and eavesdrop
• Eavesdropping
• Chhajja
• Rainhead
• Gargoyle