grotto

noun

grot·​to ˈgrä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce grotto (audio)
plural grottoes also grottos
Synonyms of grottonext
1
: cave
2
: an artificial recess or structure made to resemble a natural cave

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From the mud baths of Lo Specchio di Venere to Bagno Ascuitto’s hot-steam grotto, Pantelleria’s fringes constitute a natural spa with gurgling thermal waters. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 Cedar Creek Spa, an 18,000-square-foot wellness wonderland, and its grotto pool alone are worth the visit. T.j. Olwig, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025 For example, one Santa with hearing loss told grotto visitors that his cochlear implants were, in fact, microphones for speaking to their hardworking elves. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 The hillside grotto where Jesus and Mary are said to have rested is open to visitors but on a recent afternoon was deserted – with burned out candles evidence of prayers but not a single visitor. Jane Arraf, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grotto

Word History

Etymology

Italian grotta, grotto, from Latin crypta cavern, crypt

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grotto was in 1617

Cite this Entry

“Grotto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grotto. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

grotto

noun
grot·​to ˈgrät-ō How to pronounce grotto (audio)
plural grottoes also grottos
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

More from Merriam-Webster on grotto

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