Cove

/koʊv/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

A small sheltered bay or inlet.

/koʊv/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A small bay or inlet.

They anchored their sailboat in a peaceful cove.

💡 Simply: Imagine a little hug of the ocean, where the land curves in to protect the water. That's a cove! It's a cozy spot, perfect for hiding or relaxing by the sea. Like when you build a fort in a little nook!

👶 For kids: A little space where the land curves in and the water makes a small bay.

More Examples

2

The hikers rested at a quiet cove after a long climb.

3

The children played in the shallow waters of the cove.

How It's Used

Geography

"The boat sailed into the secluded cove, sheltered from the wind."

Literature

"The pirates hid their treasure in a hidden cove."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

From Old English *cofa* ('cave, recess'), related to Old Norse *kofi* ('hut, shed').

Historically, the word 'cove' has been used similarly, but also sometimes to describe a cave, a meaning now less common.

Memory tip

Think of a COVE as a small, safe haven on the coast.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"A cave, recess, or small bay"

secluded covehidden covesmall coverocky cove

Common misspellings

covcoves

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written