grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave

2

: an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

Synonyms

• antre
• cave
• cavern
• delve [archaic]
• grot

Examples of grotto in a Sentence

at the heart of the shrine is a small rocky grotto into which pilgrims can descend

Recent Examples on the Web

Created in 1884, the Tête-Noire pathway features 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) of walkways and bridges that lead to the bottom of the gorge, where visitors can find waterfalls and a hidden grotto, according to the Swiss government’s tourism website. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024

At the end of this short trail, hikers come face-to-face with a small grotto filled with spiky icicles or fluffy green moss, depending on the season. —Emily Pennington, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Feb. 2023

Parents and grandparents can sit out on the lounge chairs while the kids dip in and out of the pool and enjoy the grottos and waterfalls. —Andrew J. Tardif, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024

The Gables landmark, replete with waterfalls, grottoes and caves, is fed by spring water from an aquifer and refilled daily. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrät-ō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave entry 1

2

: an artificial structure made to resemble a natural cave

Etymology

from Italian grotta, grotto "cave," from Latin crypta "cavern, crypt" — related to grotesque