noun
hovel
HO-vuhl
Hovel (noun) means a small, poorly built and often squalid dwelling; a shack. Example: “The family lived in a cramped hovel on the edge of town.”
noun
1
A small, poorly built and often squalid dwelling; a shack.
"The family lived in a cramped hovel on the edge of town."
2
A simple open shed for sheltering animals or storing produce.
"The cattle were kept in a hovel during the worst of the storm."
How to use hovel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rundown, cramped little house, or a basic shelter for animals.
Common mistake
Always negative or humble in tone — never used to describe a nice house, even a small one.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hovels
- Third person singular
- hovels
- Past tense
- hoveled, hovelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The family lived in a cramped _____ on the edge of town.
Etymology
From Middle English hovel, a diminutive related to Old English hof ("dwelling, court"), the same root behind "hover."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for hovel
See all rhymes for hovel →Frequently asked questions
What does “hovel” mean?
The word “hovel” means a small, poorly built and often squalid dwelling; a shack. In plain terms, a rundown, cramped little house, or a basic shelter for animals.
How do you pronounce “hovel”?
“Hovel” is pronounced HO-vuhl (/ˈhɑvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hovel” in a sentence?
Here is “hovel” used in a sentence: “The family lived in a cramped hovel on the edge of town.”
What part of speech is “hovel”?
“Hovel” is a noun.
Where does the word “hovel” come from?
The word “hovel” comes from Old English. From Middle English hovel, a diminutive related to Old English hof ("dwelling, court"), the same root behind "hover.".
How many meanings does “hovel” have?
“Hovel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, poorly built and often squalid dwelling; a shack.
