cave-in

noun

ˈkāv-ˌin 

1

: the action of caving in

2

: a place where earth has caved in

Examples of cave-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When Webb arrived, first responders were trying to reach people still stranded in the part of the building that didn't cave-in. — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 June 2026

If so, Polis’ cave-in was pointless. — Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

Otherwise, cave-ins, leaks and catastrophic damage to wells can occur. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

The cave-in appeared to be several inches deep, based on the impact of the front tires of the truck that sank into the street. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cave-in

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• underpin
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin

Kids Definition

cave-in

noun

ˈkā-ˌvin

1

: the action of caving in

2

: a place where earth has caved in