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roof

roof

1.0
Top covering of a building or vehicle that protects from weather
  • noun
  • /ruːf/
translation icon : tejado
  • A frame clerestory topped the bow-arch roof, bringing light to the interior.
  • tile roof
  • thatched roof
  • shingled roof

How will I keep a roof over our head?

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Examples

  • During the storm, it was comforting to know that the roof would keep us dry inside.

  • After all, we do have a roof to fix.

  • Send a helicopter to the roof as fast as possible.

  • For a few days in each year, galleries from all over the world come together under one roof to show off their best work.

  • Rain hit the tin roof like hail, making it impossible to hear one another.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The panels in the upper left of the roof are for heating water for use in the residence.

    Academic text (2011)
  • He came to fix the roof.

  • We gotta find the elevators and get up to the roof.

  • You've always had a roof over your head, food in your belly.

  • They will have the framing and the roof done in two days.

Synonyms

rooftop
vsroof
144 1.2

The top surface of a building where people can stand

is the general top covering term that includes this outer surface
dome
vsroof
116 3.4

A rounded roof or ceiling on a building, such as a church

is the general top covering rather than this curved architectural form
thatched roof
vsroof
4 4.6

A roof made of dried plants like straw or reeds used on old houses

is the general top covering rather than this traditional organic covering
tile roof
vsroof
2 3.2

A roof covered with rows of clay tiles that overlap

is the general top covering rather than this specific material finish
slate roof
vsroof
1 3.9

A roof covered with thin, flat pieces of stone

is the general top covering rather than this specific stone covering
gable roof
vsroof
1 4.6

A roof with two sloping sides that meet at the top, making a triangle at each end

is the general top covering rather than this specific peaked shape
saddle roof
vsroof
  • Specialized
6.7

A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a top ridge

is the general top covering for buildings and vehicles rather than this specific shape
hip roof
vsroof
  • Specialized
5.1

A roof with all sides sloping down to the walls

is the general top covering rather than this multi-sloped shape
French roof
vsroof
  • Specialized
8.9

A roof with very steep sides and a flat top that gives extra attic space

is the general top covering rather than this particular architectural style
sunshine-roof
vsroof
  • UK
6.0

A panel in a car roof that opens to let in air and sunlight

is the general top covering term that applies to many structures and vehicles

Antonyms

8 1.0

Outside in a place that is not covered

Idioms

33 3.2

A place to live, like a house or flat that keeps you dry and safe

In the same building where people or things are together

to hit the roof
  • Informal
4 6.7

To suddenly become very angry

2 5.7

To rise very quickly to a much higher level

1 8.0

Get very angry and shout loudly

1 9.6

Nervous and unable to stay still

Very nervous and unable to stay still because of worry or excitement

A place to live or stay

8.7

Make a party very lively and exciting

9.9

To have a wild, loud party with dancing and music

Take action now while things are good

Compounds

A roof made of dried plants like straw or reeds used on old houses

2 3.2

A roof covered with rows of clay tiles that overlap

2 3.1

A frame attached to a car roof for carrying luggage and bikes

1 3.5

A garden on the flat roof of a building where people grow plants or relax

1 3.9

A roof covered with thin, flat pieces of stone

1 7.4

A small rat that lives in roofs or attics

mansard roof
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope steeper than the upper

1 4.6

A roof with two sloping sides that meet at the top, making a triangle at each end

roof of the mouth
  • Specialized
1 3.7

The top inside surface of the mouth that separates it from the nose

curb roof
  • Specialized
8.8

A roof with two slopes on each side, a steeper lower slope and a gentler upper slope

French roof
  • Specialized
8.9

A roof with very steep sides and a flat top that gives extra attic space

gambrel roof
  • Specialized
8.6

A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope steeper

hip roof
  • Specialized
5.1

A roof with all sides sloping down to the walls

hipped roof
  • Specialized
6.8

A roof that slopes down on all four sides toward the walls

hurricane roof
  • Archaic
8.5

The top open deck on a passenger ship exposed to the weather

roof mushroom
  • Specialized
9.8

A mushroom with a pointed cap like a house roof that grows in damp places in early summer

3.4

The highest point where two sloping sides of a roof meet

roof rabbit
  • Informal
9.9

A playful name for a small rabbit seen on rooftops in cities

roof tree
  • Specialized
9.6

A strong beam that supports a roof or a tree growing high above a building

saddle roof
  • Specialized
6.7

A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a top ridge

saddleback roof
  • Specialized
8.0

A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge and have a triangular wall at each end

6.0

A panel in a car roof that opens to let in air and sunlight

How Protective

roof
1.0
awning
20 3.2

Surface Forms

roof singular
roofs plural

Etymology

Roof comes from an old English word hrof that meant 'top' or 'cover'. So a roof is the cover at the top of a building that protects it from rain and sun.