1 nave | Definition of nave

nave

noun (1)
\ ˈnāv How to pronounce nave (audio) \

Definition of nave

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: the hub of a wheel

nave

noun (2)

Definition of nave (Entry 2 of 2)

: the main part of the interior of a church especially : the long narrow central hall in a cruciform church that rises higher than the aisles flanking it to form a clerestory

First Known Use of nave

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1673, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nave

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English nafu; akin to Old English nafela navel

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin navis, from Latin, ship; akin to Old English nōwend sailor, Greek naus ship, Sanskrit nau

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More Definitions for nave

nave

noun
\ ˈnāv How to pronounce nave (audio) \

Kids Definition of nave

: the long central main part of a church

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More from Merriam-Webster on nave

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with nave

Spanish Central: Translation of nave

Nglish: Translation of nave for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of nave for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nave