cove
4 synonyms for cove, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, sheltered inlet along a coastline, often bordered by cliffs or rocks.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use cove
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sheltered cove
sandy cove
hidden cove
Etymology
From Old English cofa, meaning "chamber" or "den" — the sense narrowed over time to describe a small sheltered inlet or hollow.
Full origin of cove →Frequently asked questions
What does “cove” mean?
The word “cove” means a small, sheltered inlet along a coastline, often bordered by cliffs or rocks. In plain terms, a small, protected bay or inlet along a shoreline.
How do you pronounce “cove”?
“Cove” is pronounced kohv (/koʊv/ in IPA).
How do you use “cove” in a sentence?
Here is “cove” used in a sentence: “We anchored the boat in a quiet cove for the night.”
What part of speech is “cove”?
“Cove” is a noun.
Where does the word “cove” come from?
The word “cove” comes from Old English. From Old English cofa, meaning "chamber" or "den" — the sense narrowed over time to describe a small sheltered inlet or hollow.
Is “cove” a common word?
“Cove” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "cove" and a "bay"?
A cove is typically a small, sheltered inlet along a coastline, often bordered by cliffs or rocks, while a bay is generally a larger body of water partially enclosed by land. Coves are usually more intimate in scale and offer more shelter from open water than bays.
Is a cove always found on a coastline bordered by rocks?
A cove is often bordered by cliffs or rocks, which contributes to its sheltered, enclosed feel, though the exact landscape can vary from one cove to another along different coastlines.
Why are coves considered sheltered compared to open coastline?
Coves are small inlets that cut into the coastline, and their surrounding cliffs or rocks provide natural protection from wind and waves, making them calmer than the open, exposed sections of a coast.
