Saltboxes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of house characterized by a two-story structure with a long, sloping roof that resembles a saltbox
2. a style often found in colonial architecture showcasing simplicity and functionality
3. an architectural design that typically features a central chimney and asymmetrical design elements

Etymology: Saltboxes are named after the salt box, a wooden container once hung on the wall beside the kitchen hearth to keep salt dry. The name for the house comes from its silhouette: a steep roof that slopes down sharply at the back, much like the lid of that box. Because the two parts of the word are plain English, the name is a straightforward description rather than a borrowing. The plural form, "saltboxes", simply counts several of these houses. The singular, "saltbox", is a compound of "salt" and "box", with the shape of the object giving the house its nickname.