Shiv definition: a knife , esp. Shiva is a period of mourning that generally lasts seven days, starting when the mourners return home from the funeral. [Probably Romani chiv, blade .] shank ; Translations This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. The word "shiva" has different meanings across different cultures and in Hebrew it means "seven." As it turns out, they are the exact same thing. va n. Hinduism One of the principal Hindu deities, worshiped as the destroyer and restorer of worlds and in numerous other forms. The shiv looks something like this: