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 of grotto

• 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

Stay at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, which partners with Islander Watersports to offer excursions to scuba dive reefs, coral grottoes and shipwrecks just minutes from Pinney’s Beach. —Adrienne Jordan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

With no use for the quotidian, Beaton’s visual sleight of hand turned balloons, cellophane, mirrors, paper, and vases into fantastical dreamscapes and silvery grottos, his patient sisters sitting for pictures until society came to call. —Tracy Doyle, Air Mail, 11 Oct. 2025

Other features, per the listing, include: High ceilings Swimming pool Waterfall Hidden grotto Spa Viewing deck Chef’s kitchen Gardens Patio Abundant room The listing is held by Kristy Sartorius and Chip Sartorius of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty. —Tj MacIas 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Other highlights include a stylish wet bar, a wine cellar/grotto, and a home theater. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 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