grotto

play

noun grot·to \ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō\

Definition of grotto

plural

grottoes

also

grottos

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

See grotto defined for English-language learners

See grotto defined for kids

Examples of grotto in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of grotto from the Web

The home has six bedrooms, four and one-half baths, a study, game room and media room plus a lagoon-style pool with grotto and spa.

— star-telegram, "Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | Colleyville", 7 June 2017
A whimsical grotto has been added as the central element of the fountain wall.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "This is what a $90 million water fountain looks like", 29 May 2017
Bethlehem is lively and crowded, home to Palestinian Muslims and Christians and the Church of the Nativity, the Byzantine-era sacred site built over the grotto where the faithful believe Jesus was born.

— philip rucker, Washington Post, "Palestinians welcome Trump’s talk of peace but offer lessons in two-state demands", 23 May 2017
Bethlehem is lively and crowded, home to Palestinian Muslims and Christians, and the Church of the Nativity, the Byzantine-era sacred site built over the grotto where the faithful believe Jesus was born.

— philip rucker, Washington Post, "Palestinians welcome Trump’s talk of peace but offer lessons in two-state demands", 23 May 2017
There is a waterfall cascading from the top of the grotto sheeting down behind the bar stools.

— star-telegram, "Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | Arlington", 21 May 2017
Beyond holding your place in line, the band keeps track of photos taken on slides, gives the ability to shoot water cannons and also illuminates images in the volcano's tucked-away grottoes.

— sarah sekula, CNN, "Sneak peek: First look inside Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay", 16 May 2017
Andalusian details, cathedral beamed ceilings and distressed oak floors give this Santa Barbara house an old world charm. Entered through a courtyard with a fountain, the home secrets a 500-bottle wine grotto with a tasting bar.

— lauren beale, latimes.com, "Santa Barbara Spanish-style hacienda pours on the charm", 10 May 2017
Climb to the top with a guide, then cool off by swimming in the falls and grottoes, jumping and sliding your way to the bottom.

— maridel reyes, Bloomberg.com, "Six Vacations to Solve All Your Problems", 10 May 2017

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