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Definition of eaves

eaves

/iːvz/
eaves
Plural:eaves
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eaves Lexical Profile

eaves Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The edges of a roof that overhang the face of a wall and project beyond the side of a building, typically to direct rainwater away from the exterior walls.

Example

"Swallows often build their mud nests high up under the eaves of old barns."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for eaves

Word Nuance & Usage

Though historically a singular noun in Old English, 'eaves' is treated as a plural noun in modern standard English, with 'eave' serving as its singular back-formation.

• Rhymes for eaves

• Nearby Words

eastern redbud
eastern redcedar
eastmain
eaves
ebony
ebor falls
ebracteola

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'efes', meaning 'edge' or 'border' (particularly of a roof or forest). Because the word ended in an 's' sound, Middle English speakers mistook it for a plural noun, eventually creating the singular back-formation 'eave'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Eaves. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/eaves
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