Word
nave
US/ˈneɪv/
UK/nˈeɪv/
Definitions
01church architecture
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. the long central part of a church building where the people usually sit during a service.
n. the central longitudinal part of a church, extending from the main entrance to the transepts or choir.
“The sunlight streamed through the high windows, lighting up the entire nave of the cathedral.”
“The architect designed the nave with soaring stone arches to draw the congregation's eyes upward toward the vaulted ceiling.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
02wheel hub
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Technical
n. the central part of a wheel that the axle goes through.
n. the central block or hub of a wheel, particularly in wooden or traditional carriage wheels.
“The old wooden wagon had a cracked nave that needed to be replaced.”
“The wheelwright carefully shaped the nave from a solid block of seasoned elm to ensure it could withstand the pressure of the spokes.”
Teaching tip
This sense is largely restricted to historical contexts or traditional crafts; 'hub' is the standard modern term.
Real-World Examples
“Many of the cathedral's important artefacts - including paintings, sculptures and textiles - were held in its many chapels around the nave.” “First, there is a section of the nave showing an arcade of five arches with eight windows above (inside) and then the tiled roof (outside).” “During the Gothic period, structural experiments aimed at facilitating the construction of high naves by weakening the horizontal pressure of the vaults were diverse.” “Concern for wind loading, we believe, led the builders of the Paris nave to introduce the flying buttress just before 1180.” Etymology
Ultimately from Latin nāvem, singular accusative of nāvis, possibly via a Romance source. Doublet of nef and nau.
From Middle English nave, from Old English nafu, from Proto-West Germanic nabu, from Proto-Germanic nabō (compare Dutch naaf, German Nabe, Swedish nav), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃nebʰ- (“navel, hub”) (compare Latin umbō (“shield boss”), Latvian naba, Sanskrit नभ्य (nabhya)).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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