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

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

Raphael Martinez Cohen and Ryan Bush’s basement studio in Maspeth, Queens, feels a bit like a grotto, with shimmering panels propped up against subterranean walls. —Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025

The restoration works enhanced the grotto’s surface and its rich and elaborate scheme, made of rustic, polychrome and multi-material mosaics featuring shells, glass pastes, semi-precious stones, stone fragments and mineral crusts. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025

The company’s first flagship location—a 25,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility—is set to open in Austin, Texas in 2026, featuring otherworldly baths, waterfalls, saunas, grottos, and immersive art installations. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Fountains, grottos, and statues line meandering pathways, taking you through a cactus garden, an heirloom rose garden, and other lush flora. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grotto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrät-ō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave entry 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