ridgepole

or ridge pole

[ rij-pohl ]

noun

1. the horizontal timber or member at the top of a roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened.

ridgepole

/ ˈrɪdʒˌpəʊl /

noun

1. a timber laid along the ridge of a roof, to which the upper ends of the rafters are attached
2. the horizontal pole at the apex of a tent

Other Words From

• ridgepoled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ridgepole¹

First recorded in 1780–90; ridge + pole ¹

Example Sentences

Erect a ridgepole between trees and tilt branches against one side to make a lean-to framework.

From Popular-Science

The house was hardly finished, and the want of skill was apparent in its erection from sill to ridgepole.

From Project Gutenberg

Lay the strips lengthwise, from ridgepole to eaves, and fasten down each strip on the old boards.

From Project Gutenberg

Lewis thinks the boy's ridgepole is crooked; but he is harmless and has done many good and gallant deeds.

From Project Gutenberg

It was like riding blindfolded along the ridgepole of a church, and, had my pony slipped, the results would have been the same.

From Project Gutenberg

The day was cold, the woods were wet, and the weather was beastly altogether when Killooleet first came and sang on my ridgepole.

From Project Gutenberg