A gable is the triangular section of wall that forms at the end of a building where a sloped roof comes down on two sides. Picture a simple house drawing: that triangle at the top, between where the roof slopes down, is the gable.

Gables serve both practical and aesthetic purposes: they help shed rain and snow while giving buildings character. A gabled roof might have one large triangle on each end, or multiple smaller ones along the sides, creating peaks and valleys. The famous “Dutch gable” has a curved, decorative shape. Some Victorian houses have elaborate gables decorated with fancy woodwork called gingerbread trim.

Architects use gables to create different styles. A humble farmhouse, a Gothic church, a cozy cottage, and a grand mansion might all feature gables, but each looks completely different based on the gable's size, decorations, and proportions. Next time you walk through a neighborhood, look up: you'll spot gables everywhere, each one shaping how that building looks and feels.