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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
at the heart of the shrine is a small rocky grotto into which pilgrims can descend
Recent Examples on the Web The backyard featured even more extravagant additions, like the 75-yard, tropical-themed pool with three waterfalls, two hot tubs, a 35-foot water slide, a swim-up bar, private grotto, koi pond, and a lazy river. 
Alyssa Fiorentino, House Beautiful, 10 Aug. 2022 Visitors can check in to Corte della Maestà, a chic boutique hotel, while restaurant Alma Civita serves upscale food inside a grotto. Silvia Marchetti, CNN, 11 Aug. 2022 Between the goddess and her nymphs, bathing in the sacred grotto, lives the premise of chastity even as the nymphs flirt in their eloquent poses. Claudia Rankine, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 Christian tradition holds that a small grotto under the center of the ancient church marks the birthplace of Jesus. Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 Gianni’s Boat service is a local favorite but note that the blue grotto is only accessible by smaller row boat. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 17 June 2022 The Tudor-style house is a full-fledged party compound with a mechanical bull, sand volleyball court and custom swimming pool with an 80-foot rock waterslide and a secret grotto complete with TVs and a bar. Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 Under the waterfalls, there’s a grotto with TVs and a bar. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2022 The lordly African lion in his zoo grotto will cast a sentimental glance at his shaggy mate. San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2022 See More
Alyssa Fiorentino, House Beautiful, 10 Aug. 2022 Visitors can check in to Corte della Maestà, a chic boutique hotel, while restaurant Alma Civita serves upscale food inside a grotto. Silvia Marchetti, CNN, 11 Aug. 2022 Between the goddess and her nymphs, bathing in the sacred grotto, lives the premise of chastity even as the nymphs flirt in their eloquent poses. Claudia Rankine, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 Christian tradition holds that a small grotto under the center of the ancient church marks the birthplace of Jesus. Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 Gianni’s Boat service is a local favorite but note that the blue grotto is only accessible by smaller row boat. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 17 June 2022 The Tudor-style house is a full-fledged party compound with a mechanical bull, sand volleyball court and custom swimming pool with an 80-foot rock waterslide and a secret grotto complete with TVs and a bar. Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 Under the waterfalls, there’s a grotto with TVs and a bar. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2022 The lordly African lion in his zoo grotto will cast a sentimental glance at his shaggy mate. San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2022 See More 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 ˈgrä-tō
plural grottoes
1
: cave entry 1, cavern
2
: an artificial structure like a cave
grotto
noun
as in cave
a naturally formed underground chamber with an opening to the surface at the heart of the shrine is a small rocky grotto into which pilgrims can descend Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- cave
- cavern
- tunnel
- grot
- abyss
- lair
- pit
- delve
- antre
- chasm
- hollow
- bunker
- excavation
- gallery
- subway
- well
- mine
- burrow
- shelter
- crawlway
- gulf
- shaft
- den
- lodge
- dugout
- hole
- foxhole
- covert
