hip roof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Specialized)Technical / Architectural / Construction
Quick answer
What does “hip roof” mean?
A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle pitch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle pitch.
A roof design favored for its stability in high-wind areas and its aesthetic symmetry, often associated with traditional cottage, bungalow, or Craftsman-style architecture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and its architectural meaning are identical in both variants. Usage is equally common in relevant professional contexts.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes solid, traditional construction. In the UK, it is strongly associated with Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing. In the US, it is common in ranch-style and bungalow homes.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prevalence of ranch-style homes, but the lexical item itself is equally specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hip roof” in a Sentence
[The/Our] + [architect/builder] + recommended + a hip roof.[The house] + features + a hip roof.to construct/build/design + NP + with + a hip roof.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hip roof” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The planning committee insisted on a traditional hip roof for the new estate to preserve the village character.
- Repairing the lead flashing where the hip meets the main roof is a skilled job.
American English
- We chose a hip roof for our new home because it handles hurricane winds better.
- The contractor quoted a higher price for the complex hip roof design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in real estate listings or construction project descriptions.
Academic
Common in architecture, civil engineering, and building history texts.
Everyday
Used by homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, or when discussing house styles.
Technical
Core vocabulary in architectural drawings, carpentry, roofing, and construction specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hip roof”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hip roof”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hip roof”
- Confusing 'hip roof' with 'gable roof'.
- Using 'hip' as a verb in this context (e.g., 'The roof hips down').
- Spelling as 'hipp roof'.
- Pronouncing 'hip' as /haɪp/ (like the body part).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hipped roof' is a full, slightly more formal synonym. 'Hip roof' is the more common compound noun form.
A hip roof slopes on all four sides. A gable roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, creating vertical, triangular walls (gables) at each end.
They require more complex framing with angled 'hip rafters' and 'jack rafters', increasing material waste and labour time compared to simpler gable roofs.
Yes, dormers (small projecting windows) can be added to the sloping planes of a hip roof, though their design and integration are more complex.
A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle pitch.
Hip roof is usually technical / architectural / construction in register.
Hip roof: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp ˌruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp ˌruf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a roof where the walls 'hip' or lean in on all sides, like a pyramid with the top cut off, instead of having gable 'ears' sticking out.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROTECTIVE HAT: The hip roof is a snug, all-encompassing cap on a building.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary structural advantage of a hip roof?