hovel

[huhv-uhl, hov-]

noun

1. a small, very humble dwelling house; a wretched hut.

2. any dirty, disorganized dwelling.

3. an open shed, as for sheltering cattle or tools.

verb (used with object)

hoveled, hoveling , hovelled, hovelling .

1. to shelter or lodge as in a hovel.

hovel

/ ˈhʌvəl, ˈhɒv- /

noun

1. a ramshackle dwelling place

2. an open shed for livestock, carts, etc

3. the conical building enclosing a kiln

verb

1. to shelter or be sheltered in a hovel

Word History and Origins

Origin of hovel¹

1375–1425; late Middle English hovell, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of hovel¹

C15: of unknown origin

Related Words

• cottage 
• hut 
• lean-to 
• shack 
• shanty