pave

1 of 2

verb

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 How to pronounce pavé (audio)
variants or less commonly pavéed or pavéd or pave
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
This shift is paving the way for a more inclusive financial industry, where women are increasingly challenging the status quo and demanding equal opportunities. Anushree Jain, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 And because a culture of electing women paves the way for electing more women, Democratic women have created a positive feedback loop. Meredith Conroy, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2024
Adjective
With a focus on timepieces and jewelry, the imagery highlights the gold-tone Maren watch, a pavé-trimmed rose gold-tone Sag watch, a petite Lexington watch in gold-tone with pave trim and the brand’s Emery wrap watch. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for pave 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pave was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pave

Cite this Entry

“Pave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pave. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pave

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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