ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dormer

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈdɔɹmɝ// UK //dˈɔːmɐ// dormer

n. a small window or room that is built into the sloping roof of a house. It lets more light and air into a room that is under the roof.

n. a window or small room projecting from the sloping roof of a building. It typically has a vertical face and a sloping roof that continues the line of the main roof.


SIMPLE

The attic has a small dormer that looks out over the garden.

CONTEXTUAL

To make the attic more livable, the architect added a dormer window to provide natural light and a better view.

COMPLEX

The Victorian house features several ornate dormers that break the monotony of the steeply pitched roofline, allowing for additional living space and improved ventilation in the upper floors.

Etymology 1

From Middle French dormoir (“sleeping room”), from dormir (“to sleep”).

Etymology 2

From dorm + -er.

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