gambrel roof


noun

a gable roof, each side of which has a shallower slope above a steeper one. Compare mansard(def 1).

Origin of gambrel roof

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65

OTHER WORDS FROM gambrel roof

gam·brel-roofed, adjective

Words nearby gambrel roof

Example sentences from the Web for gambrel roof

  • What thinkest thou of a gambrel-roof and a lean-to, two square front rooms, both fire-rooms, and a living-room?

    Giles Corey, Yeoman |Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
  • The afternoon sunbeams at this moment are painting the gambrel-roof with a golden brown.

    The Pearl of Orr's Island |Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • The house, which was built in 1720, is of gambrel-roof type and a fine example of that period.

    Historic Homes |Mary H. Northend

British Dictionary definitions for gambrel roof

gambrel roof

noun

mainly British a hipped roof having a small gable at both ends
mainly US and Canadian a roof having two slopes on both sides, the lower slopes being steeper than the upper Compare mansard (def. 1)
Sometimes shortened to: gambrel

Derived forms of gambrel roof

gambrel-roofed, adjective