- the central space in a church, extending from the narthex to the chancel and often flanked by aisles
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
nave /neɪv/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Architecturethe principal, longer area of a church, from the main entrance to the space around the altar, with aisles of less height on the sides.
nave
(nāv),USA pronunciation n.
Nav. E.,
- Architecturethe 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. See diag. under basilica.
- Medieval Latin nāvis, Latin: ship; so called from the resemblance in shape
- 1665–75
Nav. E.,
- Naval Engineer.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
nave /neɪv/ n
nave /neɪv/ n
- the central block or hub of a wheel
'nave' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):