divot

noun

div·​ot ˈdi-vət 

plural divots

1

Scotland : a square of turf or sod

2

: a loose piece of turf (such as one dug from a golf fairway in making a shot)

The caddies, I was solemnly assured, never replace a divot; they just sprinkle grass seed from a pouch they carry. Well, this is a myth, for I repeatedly saw caddies replace divots in the course of the tournament, with the care of tile-setters.

—John Updike

3

: a small dent : a small depression or hollow

… soft pastries of yeasted dough with a divot in the center, traditionally filled with sweetened cheese or fruit …

—John T. Edge

Examples of divot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The handle is slender, ergonomically shaped, and has divots for an easier grip (and more control). —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 2 May 2025

Speaking of legs, each of the four has vertical divots that add texture as well as ornamental tops that provide a fun contrast to the linear design. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

The underwire does not cause bruising or divots on my sternum. —Andrea Jordan, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025

Cylindrical keycaps will have a U-shaped indentation with peaks on either side and a dip in the center, while spherical keycaps are going to be more bowl-like, with peaks on all four corners and a divot in the center. —Henri Robbins, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier Scots devat, from Middle English (Scots) duvat

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for divot

• civet
• pivot
• privet
• rivet