rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycoveSheltered inlet
noun

cove

KOHV/kəʊv/

A small sheltered bay or coastal inlet.

The rocky headlands shelter a calm cove from the rougher sea.

An elevated oblique view of a small coastal cove: two rocky headlands curve around a calm pocket of water and a short crescent beach, leaving a narrow opening to the choppier sea.
Etymology
coveOld Englishsmall chamber, cell

The image is of a small chamber or hollow nook. The coastal meaning apparently developed through a Scottish sense, “small hollow place in coastal rocks,” extending the enclosed-space image to an inlet.

In context

Vivid Audio Library327:59
the three girls, carrying a tea basket and several parcels, were walking along the cliffs above the cove.
A Patriotic School Girl by Angela Brazil | Full Classic British School Story Audiobook

More examples

  • We anchored in the small cove.
  • Several coves dotted the coastline.
  • The beach curved around the cove.

Forms

cove · coves

Similar words

inlet
Any narrow opening from a larger body of water.
bay
A bay is generally larger and less narrowly sheltered.