noun

dormer

/ˈdɔːrmər/ · say it: DOR·mer

a window projecting vertically from a sloped roof

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a window that projects out from a sloping roof of a building

2. (noun) the structure that contains such a window, including the roof and walls around it

Examples

1. The attic room has a small dormer window that lets in plenty of light.
2. They added a dormer to the house to create more space upstairs.

How to use dormer

Dormer refers to both the window itself and the small roofed structure that houses it, projecting from a sloping roof to create additional headroom or light in attic spaces. The term is most common in architectural contexts and property descriptions. It is more specific and technical than the general term window.

Common phrases

dormer window
dormer roof
gabled dormer
shed dormer
install a dormer

Synonyms

roof window · attic window · projecting window

Word family

dormered (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse dormer with dormer window, but dormer alone already refers to the window structure; dormer window is the more explicit but slightly redundant form.

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