cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈka-vər-nəs 

1

a

: having caverns or cavities

b

of animal tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part

2

: constituting or suggesting a cavern

a cavernous warehouse

cavernously adverb

Examples of cavernous in a Sentence

We toured the cavernous airplane hangar.

The dance was held in a cavernous hall.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cavernous space — often half-empty during February’s high season when restaurants throughout Southwest Florida have waiting lists — reinforces the sensation of still being in transit rather than having arrived at a destination. —Jackie Snow, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025

Its raw concrete exterior, modular design and cavernous interior spaces contrast starkly with the historic brick buildings surrounding it. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Hauser & Wirth’s space, by contrast, is sterile, cavernous, and not quite dark enough to make clear that this is a work about being ensconced in blackness. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 19 Feb. 2025

There’s nothing not to like. Inside, and Tech Your center console is cavernous and includes two available wireless phone chargers as well as a covered compartment under the rear floor. —Josh Max, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin cavernōsus "having hollows or depressions," from caverna "hollow space, cavern entry 1" + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈkav-ər-nəs 

1

: having caverns or cavities

2

: resembling a cavern in being large and hollow

3

: composed largely of spaces capable of filling with blood to bring about the enlargement of a body part

cavernously adverb

Medical Definition

cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈkav-ər-nəs 

1

: having caverns or cavities

2

of tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part