cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈka-vər-nəs 

1

a

: having caverns or cavities

b

of animal tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part

2

: constituting or suggesting a cavern

a cavernous warehouse

cavernously adverb

Examples of cavernous in a Sentence

We toured the cavernous airplane hangar.

The dance was held in a cavernous hall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Three months ago, manager John Schneider stood in the cavernous hallway outside Yankee Stadium’s road clubhouse. —Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

An infection here can cause cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot that may result in facial paralysis, stroke, or death.1 What Is the 'Triangle of Death'? —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2025

The underground spa, on the other hand, is a soothing cavernous monument to wellness, using Natura Bisse and Seed to Skin products. —Zoe Dubno, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025

The cavernous convention center served as a temporary shelter for thousands of displaced residents. —Mandi Wright, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin cavernōsus "having hollows or depressions," from caverna "hollow space, cavern entry 1" + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈkav-ər-nəs 

1

: having caverns or cavities

2

: resembling a cavern in being large and hollow

3

: composed largely of spaces capable of filling with blood to bring about the enlargement of a body part

cavernously adverb

Medical Definition

cavernous

adjective

cav·​ern·​ous ˈkav-ər-nəs 

1

: having caverns or cavities

2

of tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part