# shingle

/ˈʃɪŋɡəɫ/ (US) · /ʃˈɪŋɡəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shingle
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a thin, flat piece of wood or stone used to cover the roof of a house. You often see them arranged in a pattern to protect the building from rain.

For teachers: a thin, flat piece of wood, stone, or other material used for roofing. Often used in the plural to refer to the entire roof covering.

## Examples

- The roof is covered in dark green shingles.
- After the storm, the contractor replaced all the damaged shingles to prevent water from leaking into the attic.
- The historic building's roof was restored using traditional cedar shingles, which provide superior insulation and a distinctive aesthetic that modern materials cannot replicate.

---

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.