grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce grotto (audio)
plural grottoes also grottos
1
: cave
2
: an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The public will be able to access the onsite parking lot, beach, lighthouse park, public park to the north, fire pit, dune area, grotto area, and exterior green space during business hours and seven days a week, according to city documents. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 Explore the oldest public Japanese garden on the East Coast, which features stone lanterns, a grotto area, and a stunning 40-foot waterfall. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025 Options range from the Magazine Rooms, which come with two queen beds (ideal for families), to the Corner Mary Suites, which overlook the hotel's 150-year-old Virgin Mary grotto. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025 The trail underneath the grotto closed for the same reason. Emese MacZko, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grotto

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grotto was in 1617

Cite this Entry

“Grotto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grotto. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

grotto

noun
grot·​to ˈgrät-ō How to pronounce grotto (audio)
plural grottoes also grottos
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

More from Merriam-Webster on grotto

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