# rooftop

/ˈɹufˌtɑp/ (US) · /ɹˈuːftɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rooftop
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the top surface of a building

noun · CEFR A2

the outside area on top of a building.

For teachers: the external upper surface of a building, often used to describe a flat area accessible to people.

- We went up to the rooftop to watch the fireworks over the city.
- The luxury hotel features a rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the skyline while dining.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'rooftop bar' or 'rooftop garden'.

### 2. roofing material

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the material that covers the top of a house.

For teachers: the top layer or material composition of a roof structure.

- The heavy rain damaged the rooftop, and now the ceiling is leaking.
- The architect specified a sustainable rooftop material designed to reflect solar heat and reduce the building's cooling costs.

Usage: Usually refers to the physical substance rather than the space.

Teaching tip: This sense is less common in daily conversation and is mostly used in construction or architecture.

## Examples

- We watched the sunset from the hotel rooftop.
- The city council encouraged residents to install solar panels on every available rooftop to reduce energy costs.
- Urban planners are increasingly advocating for green rooftops to mitigate the heat island effect and provide recreational spaces in densely populated districts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.