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

Nor does improved plaque or reduced bleeding mean users will develop fewer cavities or avoid periodontitis in the coming years. — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026

Sprinkle salt mixture all over outside of the turkey as well as inside the cavity of the turkey, patting to adhere and nudging some into every crevice. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026

Low levels of fluoride are generally considered safe and key to preventing cavities. — Rachel Carlson, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Kenny said the latest attack was so violent that the weapon used went through Suarez’s neck, hit a vein and entered her oral cavity. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 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