noun
Uncommon
groove
groov
Groove (noun) means a long, narrow cut or channel in a surface. Example: “The record needle followed the groove on the vinyl.”
noun
1
A long, narrow cut or channel in a surface.
"The record needle followed the groove on the vinyl."
"Water had worn a groove into the stone step."
"The carpenter cut a shallow groove along the edge of the board."
2
A strong, enjoyable rhythm in music.
"The bassline had a groove that got everyone dancing."
"The drummer locked into a relaxed groove that made the whole crowd sway."
"Good funk music depends on a tight groove between bass and drums."
verb
1
To dance or move enjoyably to rhythmic music.
"They were grooving to the DJ's set until midnight."
"After a few songs, the whole room was grooving happily on the dance floor."
"I love grooving around the kitchen when my favourite album comes on."
How to use groove
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA narrow channel cut into a surface, or a catchy rhythm you can move to.
Memory tip
"In the groove" or "find your groove" means being comfortable and doing something well and naturally.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
cut a groove
get into the groove
a funky groove
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Word forms
- Plural
- grooves
- Third person singular
- grooves
- Past tense
- grooved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The record needle followed the _____ on the vinyl.
Etymology
From Middle English grove, meaning a pit or mining shaft, related to Old Norse gróf ("pit") — the modern sense of a narrow channel developed later.
Related words
Rhymes for groove
See all rhymes for groove →Frequently asked questions
What does “groove” mean?
The word “groove” means a long, narrow cut or channel in a surface. In plain terms, a narrow channel cut into a surface, or a catchy rhythm you can move to.
How do you pronounce “groove”?
“Groove” is pronounced groov (/ɡɹuv/ in IPA).
How do you use “groove” in a sentence?
Here is “groove” used in a sentence: “The record needle followed the groove on the vinyl.”
What part of speech is “groove”?
Depending on how it is used, “groove” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “groove” come from?
The word “groove” comes from Middle English. From Middle English grove, meaning a pit or mining shaft, related to Old Norse gróf ("pit") — the modern sense of a narrow channel developed later.
Is “groove” a common word?
“Groove” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “groove” have?
“Groove” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow cut or channel in a surface.
What is the difference between a groove and a rut?
A groove is a narrow cut or channel in a surface, and figuratively can mean an enjoyable rhythm or a comfortable routine. A rut also refers to a channel or worn track, but figuratively it carries a negative sense of being stuck in a dull, unchanging pattern, unlike the positive musical or flow-state sense of groove.
What does it mean to be in the groove?
To be "in the groove" means performing something smoothly and confidently, often in a rhythmic or effortless way, drawing on the musical sense of groove as a strong, enjoyable rhythm. It can apply to music, sport, work, or any activity where someone finds a comfortable, productive rhythm.
When is groove used as a verb versus a noun?
As a noun, groove refers to a physical channel in a surface or a rhythmic feel in music. As a verb, to groove means to dance or move enjoyably to rhythmic music, as in "they were grooving to the beat."
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