noun
Uncommon
nave
nayv
Nave (noun) means the long central hall of a church, where the congregation sits. Example: “Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows into the nave.”
noun
1
The long central hall of a church, where the congregation sits.
"Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows into the nave."
2
The central hub of a wheel.
"The wooden nave connected the spokes to the axle."
How to use nave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe main aisle-and-seating area of a church, or the center of a wheel.
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Word forms
- Plural
- naves
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows into the _____.
Etymology
From Latin navis, "ship" — early church naves were thought to resemble an upturned ship's hull.
Rhymes for nave
See all rhymes for nave →Frequently asked questions
What does “nave” mean?
The word “nave” means the long central hall of a church, where the congregation sits. In plain terms, the main aisle-and-seating area of a church, or the center of a wheel.
How do you pronounce “nave”?
“Nave” is pronounced nayv (/neɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “nave” in a sentence?
Here is “nave” used in a sentence: “Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows into the nave.”
What part of speech is “nave”?
“Nave” is a noun.
Where does the word “nave” come from?
The word “nave” comes from Latin. From Latin navis, "ship" — early church naves were thought to resemble an upturned ship's hull.
Is “nave” a common word?
“Nave” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nave” have?
“Nave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the long central hall of a church, where the congregation sits.
