cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

especially : a hollowed-out space

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms of cavity

• hole
• dent
• pit
• concavity

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

Recent Examples on the Web

These adult bees then overwinter solo inside cavities, such as the nesting holes, then emerge again next spring to start the cycle all over. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

There are also single tooth cavities filled with up to six different nests. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

Smoke presents a second hazard — carrying particulates, toxins, and heated air into wall cavities and living spaces. —New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025

Eating too much sugar is linked to conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as cavities and gum disease. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cavity

• abdominal cavity
• body cavity
• pelvic cavity
• segmentation cavity
• spinal cavity
• thoracic cavity

Rhymes for cavity

• gravity
• concavity
• depravity
• intracavity
• microgravity
• supergravity

Kids Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: a hollow place

especially : an unfilled bodily space

lung cavity

2

: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries