nave

[ neyv ]

noun

1. the principal longitudinal area of a church, extending from the main entrance or narthex to the chancel, usually flanked by aisles of less height and breadth: generally used only by the congregation.

nave

¹

/ neɪv /

noun

1. the central space in a church, extending from the narthex to the chancel and often flanked by aisles

nave

²

/ neɪv /

noun

1. the central block or hub of a wheel

Word History and Origins

Origin of nave¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Medieval Latin nāvis, Latin: “ship”; so called from the resemblance in shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of nave¹

C17: via Medieval Latin from Latin nāvis ship, from the similarity of shape

Origin of nave²

Old English nafu, nafa; related to Old High German naba

Example Sentences

More than 6,000 tonnes of steel were used to build the nave.

From Seattle Times

She knows the location of the hidden trapdoor that leads to the rafters of the arch above the nave.

From New York Times

Born in New York City into an observant Jewish family, he owns a small timber framing business in rural New England and admits that until recently he didn’t even know what a nave was.

From New York Times

Marshall’s protesters literally let the sun shine in, a focal point as you navigate the nave.

From Los Angeles Times

The nave description in the “unmissable” list, for example, starts by stating that “this cathedral has been and is a space dedicated to prayer” before describing its stunning Catalan Gothic architecture.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• heart
• hub
• place