grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave

2

: an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

Synonyms of grotto

• cave
• cavern

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

Dotted with palm and mossy cypress trees, the grounds host a 125,000-gallon, grotto-style pool with a slide and waterfalls, along with a basketball court and a dock. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 May 2026

The centerpiece is the Grotto Pool, a sprawling tropical pool complete with waterfalls, a cave-like rock grotto, and a waterslide—and if your idea of a perfect pool day is recharging away from the noise, there's a lap pool on the property too. —Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 May 2026

In Texas, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a swimmable grotto with a massive dome ceiling and lush surroundings. —Talia Avakian, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026

For Reykjavik native Gulla Jónsdóttir, the Aurora Borealis phenomena, molten-red erupting volcanoes, black sand shores and hot water grottoes were part of everyday life growing up. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grotto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrät-ō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave entry 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