pave

1 of 2

verb

ˈpāv 

paved; paving

transitive verb

1

: to lay or cover with material (such as asphalt or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel

2

: to cover firmly and solidly as if with paving material

3

: to serve as a covering or pavement of

see also:

pave the way

pavé

2 of 2

adjective

pa·​vé pa-ˈvā 

variants or less commonly pavéed or pavéd

pa-ˈvād 

or pave

pa-ˈvā 

of jewels

: set as close together as possible to conceal a metal base

Examples of pave in a Sentence

Verb

The crew was paving the road.

Some of the roads were paved over.

The driveway is paved with concrete.

It was said that this country was so rich, the streets were paved with gold.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Beyond the architecture, the Costa Rican government mandates that 70 percent of the peninsula’s dry tropical forest remains protected—paradise will not be paved. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Specifically in the run game, there were some issues finding consistency in paving lanes for backs Israel Abanikanda, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah (limited reps, rib injury) and Jashaun Corbin. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Swift stacked two diamond necklaces on top of each other, selecting a pave lock necklace ($8,900) and a lariat pendant ($6,440). — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026

Kempf shared photos of the lakeside proposal on Instagram in July, which included a close-up snap of the ring Fine purchased — a square cut diamond on a pave setting with a silver band. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French paver, from Latin pavire to strike, pound; perhaps akin to Greek paiein to strike

Adjective

pavé from French, from past participle of paver to pave

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pave

• pave over
• pave the way
• pave the way for (something or someone)
• re-pave

Rhymes for pave

• brave
• cave
• clave
• crave
• fave
• gave
• grave
• knave
• lave
• nave
• rave
• shave

Kids Definition

pave

verb

ˈpāv 

paved; paving

: to lay or cover with material (as stone or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel