Hove Meaning in English
word · lemma: heave
Definition
An old-fashioned verb meaning to come to a stop or remain motionless, especially used about ships that wait or pause (usually near a location). Often seen in phrases like 'hove in sight' or 'hove to.'
Usage & Nuances
Now rare and literary, almost always seen in nautical (ship-related) contexts. Common collocations: 'hove in sight' (came into view), 'hove to' (stopped moving, especially at sea). Not used in everyday speech.
Example Sentences
The ship hove to and waited for the storm to pass.
basic
A dark shape hove in sight on the horizon.
basic
The sailors hove the boat to beside the dock.
basic
As soon as the lost ship hove in sight, everyone on shore cheered.
natural
It hove to right before the reef to avoid running aground.
natural
After days at sea, a whaling ship finally hove in view.
natural