Groove: meaning, definitions and examples

Indicates a comfortable or established routine, often informal and positive.

• Once you get into the groove of things, the job becomes easier.
• She's really in the groove with her workout routine.

Often used to describe a passage for water or other fluids, or a means of communication or expression.

• The boat navigated through the narrow channel.
• We use social media as a channel to reach our audience.

Typically used in agriculture to describe a narrow trench made in the ground by a plow, also used metaphorically for wrinkles on the face.

• The farmer plowed furrows for the seeds.
• Worry furrowed his brow.

Refers to a rough path or minor road, often made by repeated use or a course of action aimed at achieving something.

• The hikers followed an old dirt track through the hills.
• Stay on the right track to complete your project.

Refers to a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading, often used metaphorically for a course of action or way to achieve something.

• We walked along the forest path.
• He's on the path to success.

Often used in music to describe a steady, enjoyable pattern that people can feel and move to. Also used to refer to being in a comfortable or confident state of performing an activity.

• The band really found their groove during the second set.
• After a few weeks on the job, she got into a groove and felt more comfortable.

Used to describe the patterned recurrence of elements like sound or movement in time, particularly making up the musical framework and structure.

• The song's rhythm was catchy and easy to follow.
• She has a natural sense of rhythm when she dances.

Committed in music to describe the basic unit of time, the repeating pulse. Also used more broadly to describe a regular or rhythmic unit.

• The song has a fast beat that makes you want to dance.
• He kept a steady beat with his drumsticks.

Refers to the flow or rhythm of events in speech, music, or movements, often highlighting the end of a phrase or period. Also used in military contexts to describe rhythmic marching speed.

• The cadence of the poem was smooth and calming.
• The soldiers marched in cadence, their steps perfectly synchronized.

Use informally to describe getting into a comfortable or enjoyable rhythm, especially with music or activities. Slightly informal.

• He was really grooving to the beat at the party.
• Let's get into the groove and finish this project.

Use when talking about getting pleasure or satisfaction from an experience or activity.

• I enjoy reading books in my free time.
• He enjoys playing soccer on the weekends.

Use when expressing gratitude or understanding the value of something or someone.

• I really appreciate your help with the project.
• She appreciates the beauty of the sunset.

Use when taking great pleasure or delight in something, often with a sense of savoring the moment. Can imply more intensive enjoyment.

• She relished the opportunity to travel abroad.
• He relishes every bite of his favorite dessert.