English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word stave in English

What does stave mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

stave

US /steɪv/
UK /steɪv/
"stave" picture

Noun

1.

a vertical wooden post or plank in a building or other structure

Example:
•
The old barn was supported by thick wooden staves.
•
The barrel was made of carefully fitted oak staves.
Synonym:
plank post beam rod pole
2.

a verse or stanza of a poem or song

Example:
•
The choir sang the first stave of the hymn beautifully.
•
He added a new stave to the poem.
Synonym:
stanza verse canto
3.

a set of five parallel lines on which musical notes are written

Example:
•
The melody was written on a musical stave.
•
Each instrument's part was on a separate stave.
Synonym:
staff pentagram

Verb

to break something by forcing it inward or outward

Example:
•
The strong winds threatened to stave in the old wooden fence.
•
He had to stave off the attack with his shield.
Synonym:
break shatter repel ward off avert
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Related Word:
staves stave off