# coven

/ˈkəvən/ (US) · /kˈʌvən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coven
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a small group of people who practice magic or witchcraft together. It is often used in stories or movies about the supernatural.

For teachers: a small group of witches or practitioners of magic who meet regularly for ritual purposes. Often used in the context of folklore, fantasy literature, or modern pagan traditions.

## Examples

- The witches gathered in the forest to form a coven.
- In many fantasy novels, a coven is depicted as a tight-knit community with its own set of ancient rules.
- The protagonist's journey involves joining a coven to learn the secrets of herbalism and the complex social hierarchies that govern their nocturnal gatherings.

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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.