First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1nave
noun \ˈnāv\
Definition of NAVE
: the hub of a wheel
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of NAVE
Middle English, from Old English nafu; akin to Old English nafela navel
2nave
noun
Definition of NAVE
: the main part of the interior of a church; especially : the long narrow central hall in a cruciform church that rises higher than the aisles flanking it to form a clerestory
Origin of NAVE
Medieval Latin navis, from Latin, ship; akin to Old English nōwend sailor, Greek naus ship, Sanskrit nau
First Known Use: 1673
NAVE Defined for Kids
nave
noun \ˈnāv\
Definition of NAVE for Kids
: the long central main part of a church
Learn More About NAVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: nave arcadePrevious Word in the Dictionary: Navarrese All Words Near: nave
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up nave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).