glove

American  

[gluhv] / glʌv /

noun

1. a covering for the hand made with a separate sheath for each finger and for the thumb.

2. boxing glove.

3. baseball glove.

4. gauntlet.

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verb (used with object)

gloves, present (3rd person singular) gloved, past participle, past gloving present participle

1. to cover with or as if with a glove; provide with gloves.

2. to serve as a glove for.

idioms

1. throw down the glove. gauntlet.

2. handle with kid gloves. kid gloves.

3. hand and glove. hand.

4. take up the glove. gauntlet.

glove British  

/ ɡlʌv /

noun

1. (often plural) a shaped covering for the hand with individual sheaths for the fingers and thumb, made of leather, fabric, etc See also gauntlet 1

2. any of various large protective hand covers worn in sports, such as a boxing glove

3. informal in an intimate relationship or close association

4. informal to treat with extreme care

5. informal (of a dispute, argument, etc) conducted mercilessly and in earnest, with no reservations

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verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to cover or provide with or as if with gloves

glove More Idioms  

1. see fit like a glove; hand in glove; handle with kid gloves; hang up (one's gloves); with the gloves off.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• gloved
  adjective
• glovelike
  adjective
• gloveless
  adjective
• ungloved
  adjective

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has gloved
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have gloved
  perfect
• has been gloving
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am gloving
  progressive 1st person singular
• have been gloving
  perfect progressive
• is gloving
  progressive 3rd person singular
• gloves
  singular 3rd person
• gloving
  participle
• are gloving
  progressive

Past

• had gloved
  perfect
• gloved
  participle
• gloved
  simple
• were gloving
  progressive plural
• was gloving
  progressive singular
• had been gloving
  perfect progressive

Future

• will glove
  simple
• will have gloved
  perfect
• will have been gloving
  perfect progressive
• will be gloving
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of glove

before 900; Middle English; Old English glōf; cognate with Old Norse glōfi

Explanation

A glove is a piece of clothing that you wear on your hand, to protect it or keep it warm. Most people wear a pair of gloves, unless — of course — they are imitating Michael Jackson. Cold-weather gloves are soft and warm, made from fabrics like wool, polar fleece, or leather. There are also gloves that protect the skin on your hands while you're cleaning, using chemicals, or washing dishes; and gloves that prevent the spreading of germs, worn by food handlers and health care workers. Athletes sometimes wear gloves as well, like boxing gloves or the gloves worn by hockey goalies.

Example Sentences

I had a late start, and by the time I reached the fence, the ball bounced off my glove and over the barrier for a grand-slam home run.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

David Raya is a strong contender for Arsenal's player of the season 2025-26, with the Spain keeper recording 19 clean sheets in the Premier League to win his third consecutive golden glove award.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

“The last one scared me,” Velasquez said as he watched left-fielder Moises Rodriguez stick out his glove running to catch it and start a victory celebration.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Drake’s always been a bully, throwing stones from his frigid fortress of solitude and hiding his hand in a diamond-encrusted glove he won at auction.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

Dad fished around in the glove compartment and passed a small light behind his headrest.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• mitt