noun

pediment

PED-i-muhnt

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Pediment (noun) means In architecture, a triangular gable found above the entablature, resting directly on the columns of a classical building. Example: “A carved frieze filled the triangular pediment above the entrance.”

noun

technical, architecture In architecture, a triangular gable found above the entablature, resting directly on the columns of a classical building.

"A carved frieze filled the triangular pediment above the entrance."

"The museum's classical facade is topped with a grand stone pediment."

"Restorers repaired the cracked pediment over the old courthouse."

technical, geology In geology, a gently sloping bedrock surface, typically inclined at a very shallow angle.

"The desert pediment stretched for miles at a barely noticeable incline."

"Geologists mapped the pediment where it met the base of the mountains."

How to use pediment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pediment is either the triangular gable on a classical building's front, or a gently sloping rock surface in geology.

When to use it

It's a specialist term, appearing mainly in architecture and geology writing.

Memory tip

Check the context: the same word covers a building's triangular gable and a sloping rock surface, so the topic tells you which sense is meant.

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Easily confused with

parapet →

Common pairings

triangular pediment carved pediment pediment above the entrance desert pediment

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A carved frieze filled the triangular _____ above the entrance.

Etymology

The word comes from an earlier form, peremint, which may have been a dialectal alteration of pyramid, later shaped by the ending -ment.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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fronton

Rhymes for pediment

regiment sediment condiment detriment sentiment merriment compliment experiment embodiment impediment accompaniment

See all rhymes for pediment →

Frequently asked questions

What is a pediment in architecture?

It's the triangular gable set above the entablature of a classical building, resting on top of the columns.

What does pediment mean in geology?

It refers to a very gently sloping bedrock surface, usually inclined at only a fraction of a degree up to a few degrees.

Where does the word pediment come from?

It developed from an older form, peremint, possibly a dialectal twist on pyramid, later influenced by the suffix -ment.

What is the meaning of pediment?

"pediment" (noun) means in architecture, a triangular gable found above the entablature, resting directly on the columns of a classical building.