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

Hill’s daily performance as an afterthought paving the way for a player once thought of as a camp body to make the 53-man roster, leading to Higgins’ release. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 11 May 2024

Protests went on for months, garnering national headlines, and eventually many of the restrictions were lifted — a step that paved the way for later movements in opposition of the Vietnam War and in support of environmentalism and women’s rights. —Marisa Gerber, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 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

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