Music:
* The pianist struck a stave of the grand piano with such force, it shook the entire room.
* The composer meticulously filled the stave with notes, creating a symphony of sound.
* The young violinist practiced diligently, her bow gliding across the stave of her instrument.
Other:
* The old ship's staves were worn and weathered, but still held the vessel together.
* The carpenter used a chisel to shape the staves of the barrel.
* The explorers used staves to reinforce their shelter against the harsh elements.
Figurative:
* He tried to stave off the inevitable, but the deadline was looming.
* The doctor recommended medication to stave off the infection.
* She used humor to stave off the feeling of loneliness.