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)

gloved, gloving

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

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

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

Top Glove supplies 95 billion gloves per year to more than 2,000 customers worldwide.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

More than a third told Gold Glove that Rodríguez has been excellent or good since taking over for Maduro.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Roberts, who said he did his own vetting of Tucker with other managers and coaches, believes the 29-year-old is a potential most valuable player candidate with the ability to win another Gold Glove.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

It was not a surprising announcement, coming on the heels of Mookie Betts establishing himself as Gold Glove finalist at shortstop and Hernández struggling in right field last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

“You take a left on Glove Street,” said the woman.

From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo

Related Words

• mitt