drove

¹ American  

[drohv] / droʊv /

verb

1. simple past tense of drive.

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drove ² American  

[drohv] / droʊv /

noun

1. a number of oxen, sheep, or swine driven in a group; herd; flock.

2. Usually droves a large crowd of human beings, especially in motion.

   They came to Yankee Stadium in droves.

3. Also called drove chisel.  Masonry. a chisel, from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) broad at the edge, for dressing stones to an approximately true surface.

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verb (used with or without object)

droved, droving

1. to drive or deal in (cattle) as a drover; herd.

2. Masonry. to work or smooth (stone) as with a drove.

drove ¹ British  

/ drəʊv /

noun

1. a herd of livestock being driven together

2. (often plural) a moving crowd of people

3. a narrow irrigation channel

4. Also called: drove chisel.  a chisel with a broad edge used for dressing stone

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verb

1. 1. (tr) to drive (a group of livestock), usually for a considerable distance

   2. (intr) to be employed as a drover

2. to work (a stone surface) with a drove

drove ² British  

/ drəʊv /

verb

1. the past tense of drive

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Related Words

See flock ¹.

Etymology

Origin of drove

First recorded before 950; Middle English; Old English drāf “that which is driven,” i.e., “herd, flock”; akin to drive

Example Sentences

But instead of heading to a costume party or a swanky soiree, the group drove to the movie theater to see “Michael,” the new biopic of Michael Jackson.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Minutes later, as the royal couple drove off following handshakes and a bit more chat, Trump added: "Great people. We need more people like that in our country."

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

When Liam Hicks drove the first pitch of the second inning into the lower stands just inside the right-field foul pole, it was the first run Glasnow had given up in his last 12 innings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Sawe's parents drove six hours from their home to be there with his supporters when he landed.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

We drove to Darmstadt to look over the camp.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom