noun / verb
roof
ROOF/ruːf/
The upper covering of a structure or space, or to provide this covering.
The tiled roof covers the house and extends beyond its walls.
Etymology
Old English hrof already named a building’s upper covering and could also mean its ceiling. The same covering sense later extended to the top of a vehicle.
In context
The immense weight of a rigid stone or concrete roof high above the ground creates a dangerous pendulum effect. When the ground shakes, this massive top section whips back and forth with tremendous force.
More examples
- They roofed the shed before winter.
- Several roofs were damaged by the storm.
- The crew is roofing the new garage.
Forms
roof · roofs · roofed · roofing
roofer noun — Someone who installs or repairs roofs.