delve

¹delve

verb \ˈdelv\

delveddelv·ing

Definition of DELVE

transitive verb

archaic

: excavate

intransitive verb

1

: to dig or labor with or as if with a spade

2

a : to make a careful or detailed search for information <delved into the past> b : to examine a subject in detail <the book delves into the latest research>

— delv·er noun

Examples of DELVE

1. He tried to delve inside his memory for clues about what had happened.

Origin of DELVE

Middle English, from Old English delfan; akin to Old High German telban to dig

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with DELVE

helve, shelve, twelve