cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
especially : a hollowed-out space
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fluoride is a mineral that has been added to drinking water for generations to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stephany Matat, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 It is added to some dental products, such as toothpaste, to help prevent cavities. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2025 His work far from finished, Jim is immediately instructed to reach into Royce’s open chest cavity and aid in the surgery. Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025 Research from the 1990s suggests that fluoride in water cuts cavities by up to 25 percent in children; mid-20th century studies found reductions of up to 70 percent. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cavity

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavity was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cavity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavity. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cavity

noun
cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
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 How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

More from Merriam-Webster on cavity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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