grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave

2

: an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

Synonyms

• cave
• cavern

Examples of grotto in a Sentence

at the heart of the shrine is a small rocky grotto into which pilgrims can descend

Recent Examples on the Web

Wind along sculpted griffins, a hilltop tempietto, fountains, a grotto, marble colonnades, a reflection pool and an amphitheater amid Hudson views. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

In the living room, where the family spends most of their time, Mc Adam again turned to the sea for inspiration, this time looking to 18th-century shell grottoes found in Irish coastal estates. —Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025

Popes are typically buried in the grottoes under St. Peter’s Basilica, but Pope Francis will break tradition and instead be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2025

Think waterfalls, a koi pond, a lazy river, and even a 35-foot water slide that leads to a hidden grotto. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grotto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrät-ō 

plural grottoes also grottos

1

: cave entry 1

2

: an artificial structure made to resemble a natural cave

Etymology

from Italian grotta, grotto "cave," from Latin crypta "cavern, crypt" — related to grotesque