coven: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “coven” mean?
A small, secretive, and typically female-led group that meets regularly, especially one practicing witchcraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, secretive, and typically female-led group that meets regularly, especially one practicing witchcraft.
Any close-knit, often secretive, group with shared interests or activities, sometimes carrying a connotation of exclusivity or conspiracy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with historical/pagan witchcraft in UK due to cultural ties (e.g., Scottish witch trials). In US, often colored by popular media portrayals of modern Wicca or horror.
Frequency
Comparable low frequency in both varieties, primarily appearing in literary, historical, or occult contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coven” in a Sentence
[coven] + of + [type of member/entity] (e.g., a coven of witches, a coven of intellectuals)[adjective] + covenVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coven” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- None; 'coven' is not used as a verb.
American English
- None; 'coven' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- None; 'coven' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- None; 'coven' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- None; 'coven' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- None; 'coven' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; if applied, pejorative: 'The board acted like a secret coven, making decisions behind closed doors.'
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, religious studies, and literature (e.g., 'The Salem covens described in the transcripts...').
Everyday
Very low frequency. Might be used humorously or metaphorically for a close group of friends (e.g., 'Our book club is like a literary coven').
Technical
Specific term in modern Pagan and Wiccan studies to denote an organised, initiatory group of practitioners.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coven”
- Pronouncing it /ˈkoʊvən/ (like 'cove' + 'en'). Incorrect: 'She is part of a witches' coven**s**' (using plural incorrectly; 'coven' is singular).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, historically and in modern practice, covens can be mixed-gender or all-male, though the traditional literary archetype is often female-led.
No, in modern contexts, particularly within Wicca and other Neopagan traditions, a coven is a neutral term for a working group, often focusing on nature-based, benign, or healing practices.
Both imply secrecy. 'Coven' strongly connotes witchcraft or feminine mystery. 'Cabal' implies political intrigue or conspiracy, often by a small, powerful group.
Yes, the standard plural is 'covens' (e.g., 'several covens in the region').
A small, secretive, and typically female-led group that meets regularly, especially one practicing witchcraft.
Coven is usually formal/literary/specialist in register.
Coven: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌv(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; used as a standalone metaphor.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COVEN as a COVE where a group of witches huddle together. Both 'cove' and 'coven' suggest a sheltered, hidden place.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GROUP IS A SECRET SOCIETY (often with mystical or exclusive knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely connotation of the word 'coven'?