rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynaveCentral church space
noun

nave

NAYV/neɪv/

The main central part of a church interior.

Columns line the church's long central nave.

Long central nave of a church between rows of columns, looking toward distant altar.
Etymology
naveLatinship

Latin “ship” became a name for the main body of a church through a perceived resemblance in shape, giving the architectural term a nautical image.

In context

Henrys Adventures6:39
look around the main part of the cathedral so as we walk up the nave you can see the remains where these big columns were
Exploring The Ruins Of Elgin Cathedral.

More examples

  • Rows of seats fill the central nave.
  • The procession moves slowly down the nave.
  • She looks up at the high roof above the nave.

Forms

nave · naves