ogive

noun

ˈō-ˌjīv 

1

a

: a diagonal arch or rib across a Gothic vault

b

: a pointed arch

2

: a graph of a cumulative distribution function or a cumulative frequency distribution

3

: ogee sense 1

Examples of ogive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whereas the ogive nose minimizes drag and structural shock, the high sectional density concentrates velocity and force, allowing the bomb to punch deep into stone. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 18 June 2025

Its nose has an ogive shape, like that of a Gothic arch. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oggif stone comprising an arch, from Middle French augive, ogive diagonal arch

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ogive

• forgive
• outlive
• relive
• corroborative
• determinative
• germinative
• transformative
• give
• sieve
• resistive