Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

nef

noun
\ ˈnef\
plural -s

Definition of nef

1 obsolete : nave
2 : a 16th century clock in the form of a ship having mechanical devices to illustrate astronomical movements
3 : an ornamental table utensil (as for holding a napkin, knife, and spoon) shaped like a ship

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for nef

French, nave, boat-shaped vessel, from Medieval Latin navis

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about nef

Statistics for nef

Look-up Popularity

Comments on nef

What made you want to look up nef? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

canker

Listen to the pronounciation of canker

to corrupt or become corrupted

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games