calve

verb

ˈkav 

ˈkäv

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

Examples of calve in a Sentence

The cow calved in the barn.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Living Ice he unworldly beauty of glaciers and the drama of calving ice sheets have become iconic images of climate change. —Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

This is especially true during the early months of the year (high season), when humpback whales are calving off the coast. —Peter Kelly, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025

The number of beef cows that have calved is also down 1%, reaching a new record low. —Evie Steele, NBC news, 23 July 2025

Three glaciers are calving (or losing) ice directly into the ocean. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calven, going back to Old English (Anglian) *calfian, (West Saxon) cealfian, derivative of cælf, cealf calf entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for calve

• halve
• have
• nav
• mohave

Kids Definition

calve

verb

ˈkav 

ˈkȧv

calved; calving

1

: to give birth to a calf

2

of an ice mass : to break so that a large part becomes separated

a glacier calving icebergs