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

• 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

Location of lymph nodes: Lymphoma is in lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm (the muscle that divides the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity). —Marla Anderson, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025

Jayden had visible cavities on his front teeth – dark spots that had become the target of teasing and bullying by classmates. —Olga Ensz, The Conversation, 30 June 2025

Switching to sugar-free gum or candies containing xylitol may help prevent cavities and support better oral health, Akosa told AARP. 6. —Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025

Going to the dentist is essential for preventing and detecting cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, Time, 9 June 2025

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