cove

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkōv 

1

: a recessed place : concavity: such as

a

: an architectural member with a concave cross section

b

: a trough for concealed lighting at the upper part of a wall

2

: a small sheltered inlet or bay

3

a

: a deep recess or small valley in the side of a mountain

b

: a level area sheltered by hills or mountains

cove

2 of 3

verb

coved; coving

transitive verb

: to make in a hollow concave form

cove

3 of 3

noun (2)

British, old-fashioned

: man, fellow

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• bay
• estuary

Examples of cove in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a secluded cove that smugglers once used

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Why Book: For easy access to the Maddalena Islands, minus the crowds Where: Cala Capra Bay, just outside Palau, northern Sardinia Tucked into a quiet cove and surrounded by pines, wildflowers, and stone paths, Hotel Capo d'Orso feels hidden in the best way. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Rent a pontoon for a sunset ride or launch your kayak for a solo paddle into peaceful coves. —West Virginia Tourism, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025

The seal survived the March attack in a cove in the small town of Neskowin, which sits along the Pacific Ocean, NOAA said Monday. —CBS News, 8 May 2025

Towering limestone cliffs enclose the cove, creating a striking setting ideal for snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape in nature. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, den, from Old English cofa; akin to Old High German chubisi hut

Noun (2)

Romani kova thing, person

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Verb

1756, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cove

• clove
• drove
• rove
• shrove
• stove
• strove
• throve
• trove
• wove
• alcove
• mangrove

Kids Definition

cove

noun

ˈkōv

1

: a small sheltered inlet or bay

2

: a level area sheltered by hills or mountains