stave

1 of 2

noun

ˈstāv 

1

: any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (such as a barrel) or structure

2

: staff entry 1 sense 1

3

: staff entry 1 sense 3

4

: stanza sense 1

stave

2 of 2

verb

staved or stove ˈstōv  ; staving

transitive verb

1

: to smash a hole in

stove in the boat

also : to crush or break inward

staved in several ribs

2

: to break in the staves of (a cask)

3

: to drive or thrust away

intransitive verb

1

: to walk or move rapidly

2

archaic : to become stove in

—used of a boat or ship

Examples of stave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The blend was finished with the Gibson staves and bottled at 109 proof. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

Attendees will also have the opportunity to craft a custom muddler from authentic barrel staves and participate in a bung-driving relay that brings a traditional barrel-preparation technique to life. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Verb

Caden Perry helps explain why national issues stave away discounts within the state. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 3 June 2026

Henkel and Standage staved it off twice before Cal came out on top, 18-16. — Daily News, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, back-formation from staves, plural of staf staff

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

circa 1595, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing stave

• stave in
• stave off

Rhymes for stave

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

Kids Definition

stave

1 of 2 noun

ˈstāv 

1

: a wooden stick

2

: one of the narrow strips of wood or iron plates placed edge to edge to form the sides, covering, or lining of a vessel (as a barrel or cask) or structure

3

: stanza

4

: staff entry 1 sense 3

stave

2 of 2 verb

staved or stove ˈstōv  ; staving

1

: to break in the staves of (a cask)

2

: to smash a hole in

stave in a boat