roof Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
noun protective covering on top of a motor vehicle
noun the inner top surface of a covered area or hollow space
- the roof of the cave was very high
- I could see the roof of the bear's mouth
noun an upper limit on what is allowed
ceiling; cap.
- he put a ceiling on the number of women who worked for him
- there was a roof on salaries
- they established a cap for prices
verb provide a building with a roof; cover a building with a roof

OE. rof, AS. hrf top, roof; akin to D. roef cabin, Icel. hrf a shed under which ships are built or kept; cf. OS. hrst roof, Goth. hrt. Cf. Roost.

(Arch.) The cover of any building, including the roofing (see Roofing) and all the materials and construction necessary to carry and maintain the same upon the walls or other uprights. In the case of a building with vaulted ceilings protected by an outer roof, some writers call the vault the roof, and the outer protection the roof mask. It is better, however, to consider the vault as the ceiling only, in cases where it has farther covering.
That which resembles, or corresponds to, the covering or the ceiling of a house; as, the roof of a cavern; the roof of the mouth.
The flowery roof Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Milton.
(Mining.) The surface or bed of rock immediately overlying a bed of coal or a flat vein.

imperfect & past participle Roofed ; present participle & verbal noun Roofing

To cover with a roof.
I have not seen the remains of any Roman buildings that have not been roofed with vaults or arches. Addison.
To inclose in a house; figuratively, to shelter.
Here had we now our country's honor roofed. Shak.