roof

Definition

The external covering at the top of a building.

Etymology

From Middle English rof, from Old English hrōf (“roof, ceiling; top, summit; heaven, sky”), from Proto-Germanic *hrōfą (“roof”). Cognate with Scots ruif (“roof, ceiling”), Dutch roef (“cabin on a boat”), Icelandic hróf (“shed”), Irish cró (“pen, barn, cabin”), Proto-Slavic *stropъ (“roof, ceiling”). Compare Faroese rógv (“something high up”).

Example Sentences

• "The roof was blown off by the tornado."
• "'Twas the house I'd seen the roof of from the beach."
• "The very first sound that you’ll hear on the roof (Provided there’s fog) will be Rudolph’s small hoof."