pave

1 of 2

verb

ˈpāv 

paved; paving

transitive verb

1

: to lay or cover with material (such as asphalt or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel

2

: to cover firmly and solidly as if with paving material

3

: to serve as a covering or pavement of

pavé

2 of 2

adjective

pa·​vé pa-ˈvā 

variants or less commonly pavéed or pavéd

pa-ˈvād 

or pave

pa-ˈvā 

of jewels

: set as close together as possible to conceal a metal base

Phrases

pave the way

: to prepare a smooth easy way : facilitate development

Examples of pave in a Sentence

Verb

The crew was paving the road.

Some of the roads were paved over.

The driveway is paved with concrete.

It was said that this country was so rich, the streets were paved with gold.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Yet optimism prevailed—and the early disappointment paved the way for a far more relevant floor plan. —Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2024

Wow and 50 Cent paved the way, blending acting with music. —Anto Dotcom, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

With a focus on timepieces and jewelry, the imagery highlights the gold-tone Maren watch, a pavé-trimmed rose gold-tone Sag watch, a petite Lexington watch in gold-tone with pave trim and the brand’s Emery wrap watch. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024

The luxury piece is available in both 14k white gold and yellow gold, featuring a pave diamond bale on a rope chain. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 12 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French paver, from Latin pavire to strike, pound; perhaps akin to Greek paiein to strike

Adjective

pavé from French, from past participle of paver to pave

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1903, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pave

• pave over
• pave the way for (something or someone)
• re-pave

Kids Definition

pave

verb

ˈpāv 

paved; paving

: to lay or cover with material (as stone or concrete) that forms a firm level surface for travel