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

The site near the Spanish border draws millions of pilgrims each year, especially sick and disabled believers hoping for a cure from the famed spring water in the Lourdes grotto where the visions purportedly occurred. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

The site near the Spanish border draws millions of pilgrims annually, including sick and disabled believers hoping for a cure from the famed spring water in the Lourdes grotto. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Best Things to Do Hamilton Pool Preserve is a limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a natural pool below. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

Folk traditions also inform the wellness practices at the resort’s Waldorf Astoria Spa, which includes wet-area grottoes, steam rooms, and a saltwater meditation pool. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

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