Stave Meaning in English
word
Definition
A 'stave' is one of the narrow wooden strips forming the sides of a barrel, or a set of five horizontal lines in written music. As a verb (usually 'stave off'), it means to prevent or delay something bad.
Usage & Nuances
As a noun, 'stave' is formal/technical (barrels, music). Plural is 'staves'. The verb is rarely used outside the phrase 'stave off', meaning to prevent or delay. Don’t confuse with 'staff' in music (though both can refer to the five music lines in US/UK English).
Example Sentences
Each barrel is made from many staves.
basic
A musical stave has five lines.
basic
We need to stave off hunger until dinner.
basic
He grabbed a stave to fix the leaking barrel.
natural
It's important to eat healthy snacks to stave off tiredness in the afternoon.
natural
Can you read this stave, or should I write the notes higher?
natural