cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

especially : a hollowed-out space

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms

• concavity
• dent
• depression
• dint
• hole
• hollow
• indentation
• indenture
• pit
• recess

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

Recent Examples on the Web

In some areas, the level of naturally occurring fluoride in the water is already at a level that can prevent cavities. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

The mineral strengthens teeth and reduces cavities. —Amy Feldman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Fluoride is the primary ingredient of toothpaste and helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025

What a Sun Sentinel analysis shows In 2023, about 113,000 emergency department visits in Florida for patients ages 0 to 64 were due to dental conditions that were potentially avoidable, such as cavities or gingivitis. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cavity

• abdominal cavity
• body cavity
• pelvic cavity
• segmentation cavity
• spinal cavity
• thoracic cavity

Rhymes for cavity

• gravity
• concavity
• depravity
• intracavity
• microgravity
• supergravity

Kids Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: a hollow place

especially : an unfilled bodily space

lung cavity

2

: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries