What does cove mean?
A cove is a small, sheltered bay along a coastline — typically a rounded inlet framed by cliffs, rocks, or hills that protect its waters from wind and waves. Because of this natural protection, coves have long been prized as harbors for small boats, swimming spots, and, historically, hiding places for smugglers and pirates. The word carries a connotation of seclusion and intimacy: where a 'bay' can be vast and open, a cove suggests something compact, hidden, and inviting, which is why phrases like 'secluded cove' are so common. In informal British and Australian English, cove has a second, unrelated life as a mildly old-fashioned term for a man or fellow, often affectionate or humorous, as in 'a friendly old cove.' Whether describing a tranquil stretch of coast or a likeable character, cove is a compact, evocative word that adds warmth and vividness to both everyday speech and descriptive writing.
A small, sheltered bay or coastal inlet, typically rounded and enclosed by cliffs or rocks.
"They moored the dinghy in a rocky cove just out of sight of the main harbor."
The standard, dominant sense of the word, used in all registers.
(Informal, chiefly British and Australian) A man or fellow, often used affectionately or jocularly.
"He's a shrewd old cove, but you can trust him."
Distinctly informal and somewhat dated; most common in the phrase 'an old cove.'
Standard plural, applies to both the geographic and slang senses.
"The coastline is dotted with tiny coves accessible only by boat."
Before it meant a stretch of coastline, 'cove' began life as an Old English word for a chamber or den — so a cove is literally a snug little room carved out by the sea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cove
The word cove comes from Old English 'cofa', which originally meant a chamber, den, or small enclosed space. This Germanic root gave rise to the topographic sense of a small hollow or recess in the landscape, which narrowed over time to mean specifically a sheltered coastal inlet; the geographic use was well established by the medieval period. The unrelated slang sense meaning 'a man or fellow' arose separately, appearing in English by the 16th century and flourishing in 18th- and 19th-century street and theatrical usage before settling into its modern old-fashioned register.
How cove is actually used
The geographic sense is standard in all registers of English. The slang sense meaning 'a man or fellow' is chiefly British and Australian, distinctly informal, and now somewhat old-fashioned or jocular; it appears most often in phrases like 'an old cove.' The plural of the noun is simply 'coves.'
Easily confused with cove
A covey is a small group of birds such as partridges or quail, whereas a cove is a small coastal inlet.
A coven is a gathering or group of witches, while a cove is a geographical feature on a coastline.