pediment

noun

ped·​i·​ment ˈpe-də-mənt How to pronounce pediment (audio)
1
: a triangular space that forms the gable of a low-pitched roof and that is usually filled with relief sculpture in classical architecture
also : a similar form used as a decoration
2
: a broad gently sloping bedrock surface with low relief that is situated at the base of a steeper slope and is usually thinly covered with alluvial gravel and sand
pedimental adjective
pedimented adjective

Examples of pediment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The two-story home is both neoclassical and Colonial, boasting a perfectly symmetrical facade with four columns and triangular pediments over the windows. Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 That side has arches with Art Deco pediments, while the more recent side has a simple railing. Elena Gastaldo, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2024 The project of removing the marbles from the Parthenon, the fifth-century temple on the Acropolis, and shipping them to Britain took more than a decade—about half of the original five-hundred-and-twenty-four-foot frieze was removed, as were a number of life-size statues from the pediments. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024 Although the famous sculptures of the Parthenon, the Elgin Marbles, are controversially still held at the British Museum in London, the Parthenon still affords views of ancient sculptures, particularly on the east pediment. David Unsworth, Fox News, 20 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pediment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pediment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of obsolete English periment, probably alteration of English pyramid

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pediment was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near pediment

Cite this Entry

“Pediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pediment. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pediment

noun
ped·​i·​ment ˈped-ə-mənt How to pronounce pediment (audio)
: a triangular space forming the gable of a roof in classic architecture

More from Merriam-Webster on pediment

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