# cove

/ˈkoʊv/ (US) · /kˈəʊv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cove
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. coastal inlet

noun · CEFR B2

a small, sheltered bay on the coast, often shaped like a horseshoe.

For teachers: a small, sheltered coastal inlet, typically characterized by a narrow entrance and high surrounding cliffs.

- The boat dropped anchor in a quiet cove to hide from the wind.
- The smugglers preferred the secluded cove because its high limestone cliffs provided excellent cover from the coastal patrol's vantage points.

### 2. curved ceiling

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a curved part where a wall meets a ceiling.

For teachers: a concave architectural member or vault, specifically the curved transition between a wall and a ceiling.

- The grand dining room featured a beautiful gold cove around the ceiling.
- The architect specified a deep cove to soften the transition between the vertical planes and the ornate plasterwork of the ceiling.

### 3. a man

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Archaic · Informal

an old-fashioned way to say 'man' or 'fellow'.

For teachers: a person, specifically a man; used as a familiar or slightly dismissive term of address.

- He seemed like a decent enough cove when I met him at the pub.
- The old cove sitting by the fireplace had a wealth of stories about the village's history before the war.

### 4. to arch over

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to build something with a curved or arched shape.

For teachers: to construct or provide with a concave or arched form.

- The builder decided to cove the ceiling to make the room feel more elegant.
- The master mason was instructed to cove the interior corners of the chapel to improve the acoustic properties of the space.

## Examples

- We anchored our small boat in a quiet cove.
- The hikers discovered a hidden cove where the cliffs protected the beach from the strong ocean winds.
- The rugged coastline is dotted with numerous secluded coves, many of which are accessible only by water and serve as natural sanctuaries for local marine life.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.