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

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

Phrases

pave the way

: to prepare a smooth easy way : facilitate development

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 text of the bill also intentionally paved the way toward modernization of the USF, explicitly inviting the FCC to make recommendations to Congress for the expansion of the fund. —Gigi Sohn, The Verge, 5 Apr. 2024

One of the provisions allowed voters to submit unlimited registration challenges, paving the way for this bill's impact. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

For today's students, the eclipse — and the STEM lessons that manifest on the tablets — could pave the way to more education and careers in the future. —The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Online marketplaces and the small business sellers who use them are paving the way for the economy of the future. —Jose Diaz, Orange County Register, 4 Apr. 2024

Word of Apollo Global’s new bid for Paramount Global comes as Redstone entered into an exclusive negotiating period with David Ellison’s Skydance Media to sell her stake in National Amusements Inc. (and thereby pave the way for Skydance to merge with Paramount Global). —Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

Venus Aerospace’s test drone completed its first flight last week, paving the way for supersonic travel in the future. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024

The trial demonstrated the practicality of retroviral gene delivery in humans, paving the way for further progress in gene therapy research and new avenues for treating genetic disorders. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

That same day, Quintero called Goldberg, who then waived the zoning requirement, paving the way for a permit. —Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2024

Adjective

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

Argento Vino Small Round Personalized Signet Ring Emilia Clarke wore a stunning pave signet ring to this year’s Sundance Film Festival. —Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2023

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

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

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