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

The public road is paved and smooth overall, but has some rough sections that are a good test for the suspension. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

The road to soccer was paved early as Pulisic followed in the footsteps of his parents. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

Adjective

For a design that comes with a micro-pave diamond band, this classic engagement ring fits the bill. — Kiana Murden, CNN Underscored, 3 Dec. 2020

The luxury piece is available in both 14k white gold and yellow gold, featuring a pave diamond bale on a rope chain. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 12 Feb. 2024

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