hollow out
phrasal verb
hollowed out; hollowing out; hollows out
1
: to remove the inside of (something) : to make an empty space in (something)
The kids were hollowing out pumpkins.
a hollowed-out log
2
: to form (something) by digging or cutting the inside of something
Workers hollowed out a tunnel through the mountain.
Examples of hollow out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite Israel’s extensive and quite successful campaign of assassinations targeting senior IRGC commanders, the core of this group has not been hollowed out but hardened.
—
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 19 June 2025
As Hamas’ grip on Gaza has weakened and the territory’s police force has been hollowed out, gangs have emerged to steal humanitarian aid from convoys and re-sell it.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
The administration has disregarded events in Gaza and has hollowed out the FBI and intelligence services, putting fealty to the president above competence for the job.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Traditionally, a large gourd was hollowed out to create the base of the instrument, and animal skin would be stretched across the gourd’s circumference.
—Essence, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hollow out
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Narges Bajoghli, Time, 19 June 2025
As Hamas’ grip on Gaza has weakened and the territory’s police force has been hollowed out, gangs have emerged to steal humanitarian aid from convoys and re-sell it.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
The administration has disregarded events in Gaza and has hollowed out the FBI and intelligence services, putting fealty to the president above competence for the job.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Traditionally, a large gourd was hollowed out to create the base of the instrument, and animal skin would be stretched across the gourd’s circumference.
—Essence, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hollow out
Cite this Entry
“Hollow out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hollow%20out. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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