1
: to jump into water with your arms and head going in first
She dove into the swimming pool.
The children like to dive off the boat.
The competitors will be diving from the highest platform.
2
: to swim underwater usually while using special equipment to help you breathe
Many people enjoy diving on the island's coral reefs.
You can't dive in this water without a wet suit.
He dives for pearls. [=he dives in order to find pearls]
3
: to go underwater or down to a deeper level underwater
The submarine can dive to 3,000 feet.
The whale dove down to deeper water.
4
: to move down through the air at a steep angle
We watched the hawk dive for its prey.
The plane suddenly dove.
5
: to fall suddenly and quickly in amount, value, etc.
The temperature dived [=(more commonly) plunged, dropped] down below zero.
The stock's value dove to an all-time low.
6
: to suddenly jump toward something that is on or near the ground
The goalie dove in front of the goal.
—often + forHe dove for the ball.
He dove for cover. [=he suddenly jumped to a place where he would be safe or protected]
—sometimes used figurativelyHer books always have me diving for my dictionary. [=I often need a dictionary to understand the words she uses in her books]
7
informal
: to start doing something with enthusiasm
—usually + into or in
They dove into their work.
I'm just not ready to dive (right) into another romantic relationship.
They sat down at the dinner table and dove (right) in. [=started eating immediately]
We have a lot of things to discuss, so let's dive right in. [=let's get started immediately]
8
informal
: to quickly reach into (a bag, pocket, etc.)
She dove into her purse to find some change.
plural dives
1
: a jump into water with your arms and head going in first
She practiced her dives for the competition.
a perfect dive
2
: an act of swimming underwater usually while using special equipment (such as a snorkel or air tank) to help you breathe
This will be my first dive on a coral reef.
She has done dives all around the world.
3
: a usually steep downward movement of a submarine, airplane, bird, etc.
The crew of the submarine prepared for a dive.
The jet rolled into a dive.
4
: a sudden quick fall in amount, value, etc.
Temperatures across the region will take a dive tonight.
The stock market took a dive.
5
informal
: a bar, nightclub, etc., that is cheap and dirty
That bar is a real dive.
6
: a sudden jump or movement toward something that is on or near the ground
He made a dive for the ditch/ball/gun.
He made a dive for cover. [=he suddenly jumped to a place where he would be safe or protected]
Cite this Entry
“Dive.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dive. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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