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, adjectiveWords nearby gambrel roof
gambling,
gambling house,
gamboge,
gambol,
gambrel,
gambrel roof,
gambrinus,
gambusia,
game,
game bird,
game chips
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 FreemanThe afternoon sunbeams at this moment are painting the gambrel-roof with a golden brown.
The Pearl of Orr's Island |Harriet Beecher StoweThe 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