# Hove

/ˈhoʊv/ (US) · /hˈəʊv/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hove
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the past tense of 'heave'. In stories about the sea, it describes a ship moving into view or stopping.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'heave', primarily used in nautical contexts. It describes the motion of a vessel into sight or its transition into a stationary position against the wind.

## Examples

- The large ship hove into view through the thick fog.
- As the sun began to set, a small fishing boat hove into sight on the horizon.
- The captain ordered the sails adjusted until the vessel hove to, allowing the crew to wait out the storm in a relatively stable position.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The ship heaved into view" but "The ship hove into view" — While 'heaved' is the standard past tense for lifting objects, 'hove' is the specific form used for nautical movement and appearing.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the fixed phrasal expressions 'hove into view' or 'hove to'.

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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.