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 ancient grotto-style project is still very much in process, Pugh added. John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025 Or spend your days making like a mermaid in your very own indoor grotto complete with a waterfall and lazy-river-style shape that circulates around a picturesque center island. Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025 Ancient Buddhist grottoes nestled in the mountains of Majishan and Yungang, China, have seen a spike in visitors, with 3 million visiting in 2023 compared to 2 million in 2019. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 That snow grotto is filled with real snowflakes that descend from the ceiling through the cold air. Susan B. Barnes, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024 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 23 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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