cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

especially : a hollowed-out space

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms of cavity

• hole
• dent
• pit
• concavity

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

Recent Examples on the Web

This interaction creates a force field that attracts the gas molecules to the cavity walls. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026

Sensitive teeth can be caused by enamel erosion, gum disease, teeth grinding, or cavities, and may signal broader health issues like diabetes or heart disease. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026

Leaning that increases year after year, mushrooms or fungal corks growing at the base of your tree, soft soil around the trunk, and bark damage or cavities at the base can all be symptoms of root damage. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026

Then, either keep them whole for stuffing (gently pry open the flower to expose the cavity) or slice the blossom crosswise into thin ribbons (discarding the stem). — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cavity

• abdominal cavity
• body cavity
• pelvic cavity
• segmentation cavity
• spinal cavity
• thoracic cavity

Rhymes for cavity

• gravity
• concavity
• depravity
• intracavity
• microgravity
• supergravity

Kids Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: a hollow place

especially : an unfilled bodily space

lung cavity

2

: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries