cenote

noun ce·no·te \ si-ˈnō-tē \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of cenote

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

Recent Examples of cenote from the Web

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
Another notable stop includes Solomun's final stop returning to Tulum for another + 1 affair with Tale of Us, taking place in a breathtaking cenote -- a beautiful cove by the sea with tropical waters and lush jungle vegetation.

— jordan diaz, Billboard, "Solomun Announces North & South America Tour Dates," 30 Oct. 2017
Another notable stop includes Solomun's final stop returning to Tulum for another 1 affair with Tale of Us, taking place in a breathtaking cenote -- a beautiful cove by the sea with tropical waters and lush jungle vegetation.

— jordan diaz, Billboard, "Solomun Announces North & South America Tour Dates," 30 Oct. 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.