cenote

noun

ce·no·te | \ si-ˈnō-tē

How to pronounce cenote (audio)

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Definition of cenote

: a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom that is found especially in Yucatán

Examples of cenote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stepping into the lobby of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, where light streams down from a round opening in the ceiling into the shallow pool below, feels like being immersed in the natural beauty of a Mexican cenote. — Vogue, "The Power of Scent: 5 New Fragrances to Help Those Vacation Memories Linger, Long After The Trip Ends," 31 May 2019 The design was chosen to mimic the iconic cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. — Ann Lien, House Beautiful, "Geode Walls Are Better Than Any Subway Tile," 4 Mar. 2019 For you: two spa suites dramatically situated within the resort's cenote, and the world's largest tequila collection. — Priscilla Eakeley, Town & Country, "10 Trips That Are Truly Fun for the Whole Family," 30 Nov. 2016 There are also private catamaran excursions, lunch on a lovely stretch of beach off limits to the public, and dips in secret cenotes. — Priscilla Eakeley, Town & Country, "10 Trips That Are Truly Fun for the Whole Family," 30 Nov. 2016 Along Mexico's Yucatán peninsula, cenotes—natural sinkholes where collapsed bedrock gives way to groundwater pools—provide some of the world's best scuba diving. — Bridget Hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "The World's Largest Underwater Cave System Was Just Discovered in Mexico," 17 Jan. 2018 As National Geographic reports, the discovery was made after the project’s divers began a new phase of exploring the Sac Actun system and another known as Dos Ojos last March, mapping new tunnels and underground lakes, known as cenotes. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "World’s Largest Underwater Cave System Discovered in Mexico," 18 Jan. 2018 An estimated 3,000 cenotes remain hidden beneath the forest canopy in southern Mexico, many harboring clues about ancient Maya civilization. — Chris Millbern, National Geographic, "Archaeologists Search Ancient Pyramid for Clues to Maya Underworld," 13 Sep. 2017 Mayans viewed cenotes as portals to the subconscious, and treatments use ancient Mayan healing rituals to bring about deep inner balance. — Vogue, "Bachelorette Party Ideas for the Bride Who Believes in Magic," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cenote.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jun 2019

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The first known use of cenote was in 1841

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