cave

noun

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\ ˈkāv

plural caves

Definition of cave

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a natural chamber or series of chambers in the earth or in the side of a hill or cliff

2 : a usually underground chamber for storage a wine cave also : the articles stored there

3 : a place providing privacy or seclusion from others When a friend dragged her out of her cave to go salsa dancing for the first time, the rhythms … stepped into her soul …— Leslie Guttman — see also man cave

cave

verb (1)

caved; caving

Definition of cave (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to form a cave in or under

intransitive verb

: to explore caves especially as a sport or hobby

cave

verb (2)

\ ˈkāv

caved; caving

Definition of cave (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to fall in or down especially from being undermined —usually used with in

2 : to cease to resist : submit —usually used with in

transitive verb

: to cause to fall or collapse —usually used with in

Other Words from cave Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing cave Learn More About cave

Synonyms for cave

Synonyms: Noun

antre,
cavern,
delve
[archaic],
grot,
grotto

Synonyms: Verb (2)

Examples of cave in a Sentence

Noun Kentucky's Mammoth Cave is actually a series of large chambers on five levels.

History and Etymology for cave

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin cava, noun derivative from feminine of cavus "hollow, concave" — more at hole entry 1

Verb (1)

Middle English caven, in part derivative of cave cave entry 1, in part borrowed from Latin cavāre "to hollow out" — more at excavate

Verb (2)

probably alteration of calve