Main Entry: ²hollow

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): hol·low·er \ˈhä-lə-wər\; hol·low·est \-lə-wəst\

Etymology: Middle English holw, holh, from holh hole

Date: 13th century

1 : having an indentation or inward curve : concave, sunken
2 : having a cavity within <a hollow tree>
3 : lacking in real value, sincerity, or substance : false, meaningless <hollow promises> <a victory over a weakling is hollow and without triumph — Ernest Beaglehole>
4 : reverberating like a sound made in or by beating on a large empty enclosure : muffled

synonyms see vain

— hol·low·ly \ˈhä-lō-lē, -lə-lē\ adverb

— hol·low·ness noun