hipped roof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Formal (Architecture, Construction)
Quick answer
What does “hipped roof” mean?
A roof with sloping ends and sides that meet at a ridge, forming a pyramidal shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A roof with sloping ends and sides that meet at a ridge, forming a pyramidal shape.
A specific architectural roof style where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a gentle pitch, as opposed to a gable roof which has vertical ends.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in spelling and meaning. Usage is confined to architectural/construction contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical descriptor. In both regions, it may connote traditional or specific architectural styles (e.g., bungalows, certain farmhouse designs).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard within the relevant technical fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “hipped roof” in a Sentence
[Building] has a hipped roof.The architect designed a [adjective] hipped roof.A hipped roof is more stable than a gable roof in [condition, e.g., high winds].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hipped roof” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- They opted for a hipped-roof extension to match the original house.
- The hipped-roof design is prevalent in that estate.
American English
- The plans show a hipped-roof porch.
- Hipped-roof cottages were common in the 1920s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in property descriptions, renovation quotes, and architectural service proposals.
Academic
Used in architectural history, construction engineering, and building conservation texts.
Everyday
Rare. May appear in conversations about house design, home buying, or DIY projects.
Technical
Standard term in architectural drawings, building regulations, carpentry, and roofing trade.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hipped roof”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hipped roof”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hipped roof”
- Incorrect: 'hipped rooftop' (redundant). Correct: 'hipped roof'.
- Incorrect: 'The roof is hipped.' (This is possible but less common than the compound noun form 'a hipped roof').
- Misspelling: 'hipped roof' as 'hipt roof' or 'hiped roof'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hipped roof' and 'hip roof' are used interchangeably. 'Hipped roof' is perhaps slightly more common in descriptive writing, while 'hip roof' is standard in technical catalogs and trade talk.
They are generally more stable and durable in high winds and hurricanes due to their aerodynamic shape. They also allow for eaves (overhangs) on all sides of the building, offering better weather protection.
Typically, yes. They require more complex framing and more roofing materials than a simple gable roof, leading to higher construction costs.
Yes, it is common to add dormer windows (which have their own small roofs) to a hipped roof to increase light and usable space in the attic.
A roof with sloping ends and sides that meet at a ridge, forming a pyramidal shape.
Hipped roof is usually technical/formal (architecture, construction) in register.
Hipped roof: in British English it is pronounced /hɪpt ruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪpt ruf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a house wearing a **pyramid**-shaped hat. All sides of the hat slope down. The word '**hipped**' sounds like '**hipped** up' – think of the roof being 'hipped up' at an angle on all sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ROOF IS A PROTECTIVE SHELL/CAP. A hipped roof is a 'fitting cap' that slopes uniformly on all sides.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary visual characteristic that distinguishes a hipped roof from a gable roof?