First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1stave
noun \ˈstāv\
: one of the narrow strips of wood that form the sides of a barrel
: a long wooden stick
Full Definition of STAVE
1
: 1staff 1
2
: any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (as a barrel) or structure
3
: stanza
4
: 1staff 3
See stave defined for English-language learners
See stave defined for kids
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Origin of STAVE
Middle English, back-formation from staves, plural of staf staff
2stave
verb
staved or stove \ˈstōv\ stav·ing
Definition of STAVE
transitive verb
1
: to break in the staves of (a cask)
2
: to smash a hole in <stove in the boat>; also : to crush or break inward <staved in several ribs>
3
: to drive or thrust away
intransitive verb
1
archaic : to become stove in —used of a boat or ship
2
: to walk or move rapidly
See stave defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STAVE
circa 1595
STAVE Defined for Kids
1stave
noun \ˈstāv\
Definition of STAVE for Kids
1
: one of the narrow strips of wood or iron plates that form the sides, covering, or lining of something (as a barrel)
2
: a wooden stick : staff
2stave
verb
staved or stove \ˈstōv\stav·ing
Definition of STAVE for Kids
1
: to break in the staves of <stave a barrel>
2
: to smash a hole in <Waves staved the boat's hull.>
— stave off
: to keep away : ward off <A snack will stave off hunger.>
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