Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "nave" []

  • The central part of a church, extending from the narthex to the chancel and flanked by aisles. (noun)
  • The hub of a wheel. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "nave" in a sentence
  • "The word nave comes from the Latin word for ship – hence our modern word naval, as in naval officer."
  • "It is most probably called the nave from the Latin _navis_, signifying a ship, the same word from which we get our English "navy" and "naval.""
  • "The span of the nave is broad and a little low, in keeping with its parent style."