gable

¹

[ gey-buhl ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. the portion of the front or side of a building enclosed by or masking the end of a pitched roof.
2. a decorative member suggesting a gable, used especially in Gothic architecture.
3. Also called gable wall. a wall bearing a gable.

Gable

²

[ gey-buhl ]

noun

1. (William) Clark, 1901–60, U.S. film actor.

gable

¹

/ ˈɡeɪbəl /

noun

1. the triangular upper part of a wall between the sloping ends of a pitched roof ( gable roof )
2. a triangular ornamental feature in the form of a gable, esp as used over a door or window
3. the triangular wall on both ends of a gambrel roof

Gable

²

/ ˈɡeɪbəl /

noun

1. Gable(William) Clark19011960MUSFILMS AND TV: actor ( William ) Clark. 1901–60, US film actor. His films include It Happened One Night (1934), San Francisco (1936), Gone with the Wind (1939), Mogambo (1953), and The Misfits (1960)

Derived Forms

• ˈgabled, adjective
• ˈgable-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• ga·ble·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gable¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Old French (of Germanic origin); cognate with Old Norse gafl; compare Old English gafol, geafel “a fork”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gable¹

C14: Old French gable , probably from Old Norse gafl ; related to Old English geafol fork, Old High German gibil gable

Example Sentences

Chicken barns have massive fans at each end of the gable roof.

From Seattle Times

These furry creatures are a familiar sight, known to roost in chimneys and in the gables of old churches.

From Science Magazine

Some are simple, but others have brightly painted roofs, gables and even chimneys.

From Seattle Times

The Federation also has plans for a gable end mural near where the book was printed to commemorate the lasting legacy of Robert Burns in the town.

From BBC

The mural covers the gable end wall of a 19th Century Category C listed building overlooking the narrow School Wynd.

From BBC

Related Words

• ceiling
• house