cove

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

Examples of cove in a Sentence

Noun (1) a secluded cove that smugglers once used
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
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 Although several beaches in the area allow camping, the small sandy cove of Marshall Beach, which sits across the bay from the town of Marshall, is a favorite. Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 June 2025 And while the majority of the cove belongs to an exclusive beach club, Bailey's Beach, there’s a small portion that’s open to the public. Blair West, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 Then, curve around the bend opening onto the Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, the cove under a viaduct dipping into clear turquoise water, and find a spot to laze. Lily Radziemski, New York Times, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cove

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cove was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cove. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cove

noun
ˈkōv
1
: a small sheltered inlet or bay
2
: a level area sheltered by hills or mountains

More from Merriam-Webster on cove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!