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calve

verb \ ˈkav , ˈkäv \
Updated on: 13 Apr 2018
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Definition of calve

calved; calving
intransitive verb
1 : to give birth to a calf; also : to produce offspring
2 of an ice mass : to separate or break so that a part becomes detached
transitive verb
1 : to produce by birth
2 of an ice mass : to let become detached

See calve defined for English-language learners

See calve defined for kids

Examples of calve in a Sentence

  1. The cow calved in the barn.

Recent Examples of calve from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'calve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of calve

Middle English, from Old English cealfian, from cealf calf

CALVE Defined for English Language Learners

calve

verb

Definition of calve for English Language Learners

  • of a cow : to give birth to a calf

CALVE Defined for Kids

calve

verb \ ˈkav , ˈkäv \

Definition of calve for Students

calved; calving
: to give birth to a calf
  • The cow calved in the barn.

Learn More about calve

  1. See words that rhyme with calve Spanish Central: Translation of calve Nglish: Translation of calve for Spanish speakers

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Examples: calve in a Sentence