drove
7 synonyms for drove, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A herd of animals being driven together, or a large moving crowd of people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use drove
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in droves
a drove of cattle
Etymology
From Old English drāf, meaning a herding or driving of animals — closely related to the verb "drive."
Full origin of drove →Frequently asked questions
What does “drove” mean?
The word “drove” means a herd of animals being driven together, or a large moving crowd of people. In plain terms, a group of animals (or people) moving together, usually being driven or herded.
How do you pronounce “drove”?
“Drove” is pronounced drohv (/dɹoʊv/ in IPA).
How do you use “drove” in a sentence?
Here is “drove” used in a sentence: “A drove of cattle blocked the country lane.”
What part of speech is “drove”?
“Drove” is a noun.
Where does the word “drove” come from?
The word “drove” comes from Old English. From Old English drāf, meaning a herding or driving of animals — closely related to the verb "drive.".
Is “drove” a common word?
“Drove” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Is drove the past tense of drive or a noun?
It is both. "Drove" is the simple past tense of the verb "drive," as in "she drove home," and it is also a separate noun meaning a herd of animals being driven together or a large moving crowd of people.
What is the difference between a drove and a herd?
A "herd" is any group of animals of one kind living or kept together. A "drove" specifically suggests movement: it is a herd being driven from one place to another, and by extension a large crowd of people on the move.
