1
a
: to plunge into water intentionally and especially headfirst
also
: to execute a dive (see dive entry 2 sense 1a(1))
diving into the pool from the highest platform
b
: submerge
the submarine dived
2
a
: to come or drop down precipitously : plunge
the temperature is diving
b
: to plunge one's hand into something
dived into his pocket
c
of an airplane
: to descend in a dive
3
a
: to plunge into some matter or activity
she dove into her studies
b
: to plunge or dash for some place
diving for cover
also
: to lunge especially in order to seize something
dove for the ball
1
: to thrust into something
diving one's hands into the icy water
2
: to cause to dive
dive a submarine
Dived vs. Dove: Usage Guide
Dive, which was originally a weak verb, developed a past tense dove, probably by analogy with verbs like drive, drove. Dove exists in some British dialects and has become the standard past tense especially in speech in some parts of Canada. In the U.S. dived and dove are both widespread in speech as past tense and past participle, with dove less common than dived in the south Midland area, and dived less common than dove in the Northern and north Midland areas. In writing, the past tense dived is usual in British English and somewhat more common in American English. Dove seems relatively rare as a past participle in writing.
1
: the act or an instance of diving: such as
a(1)
: a plunge into water executed in a prescribed manner
practicing her dives
(2)
nautical
: a submerging of a submarine
(3)
aviation
: a steep descent of an airplane at greater than the maximum speed of horizontal flight
b
: a sharp decline
Stocks took a dive.
2
: a shabby and disreputable establishment (such as a bar or nightclub)
3
combat sports
: a faked knockout
—usually used in the phrase take a dive
a boxer accused of taking a dive
4
football
: an offensive (see offensive entry 1 sense 1c) play in which the ballcarrier plunges into the line (see line entry 1 sense 7f(2)) for short yardage
Examples of dive in a Sentence
Verb
She dove into the swimming pool.
The children like to dive off the boat.
The competitors will be diving from the highest platform.
Many people enjoy diving on the island's coral reefs.
You can't dive in this water without a wet suit.
The submarine can dive to 3,000 feet.
The whale dove down to deeper water.
Noun
She practiced her dives for the competition.
This will be my first dive on a coral reef.
She has done dives all around the world.
The crew of the submarine prepared for a dive.
The jet rolled into a dive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
As a companion to Stephen Greenblatt’s Dark Renaissance, which dives into the very different ways Christopher Marlowe (probably) made his living, this summer promises to be bountiful for those of us prone to droning on about the historical context of classic literature.
—Literary Hub
july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Hunting white sea bass can require up to 100 dives in a single day.
—Mike Raabe, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
The initial conversation isn’t the time to dive into handoffs or timelines.
—Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
As a companion to Stephen Greenblatt’s Dark Renaissance, which dives into the very different ways Christopher Marlowe (probably) made his living, this summer promises to be bountiful for those of us prone to droning on about the historical context of classic literature.
—Literary Hub
july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Noun
From crawfish boils in dive bars to drag brunches that'll make your wig spin, the city's serving up a spicy slice of Louisiana, Texas-style.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Hunting white sea bass can require up to 100 dives in a single day.
—Mike Raabe, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dive
Cite this Entry
“Dive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dive. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dive
1 of 2 verb1
a
: to plunge into water headfirst
b
2
a
: to fall fast
the temperature dived at night
b
: to descend in an airplane at a very steep angle
3
a
: to plunge into some matter or activity
b
: to thrust oneself forward suddenly : lunge
dived for cover
diver
noun
dive
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or an instance of diving: as
a
: a plunge into water done in a specified manner
b
: a steep downward movement of a submarine or an airplane
c
: a sharp drop (as in prices)
2
: a shabby place (as a bar)
3
: a faked knockout in boxing
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