concave

1 of 2

adjective

con·​cave kän-ˈkāv  ˈkän-ˌkāv 

1

: hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl

a concave lens

2

: arched in : curving in

—used of the side of a curve or surface on which neighboring normals to the curve or surface converge and on which lies the chord joining two neighboring points of the curve or surface

concave

2 of 2

noun

con·​cave ˈkän-ˌkāv 

: a concave line or surface

Synonyms of concave

Adjective

• hollow
• sunken
• depressed
• cupped

Examples of concave in a Sentence

Adjective

a concave lens

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Their concave shapes and generous size are perfect vessels for all kinds of fillings, from a rich, hearty meat ragù to lighter combinations like ricotta and seasonal vegetables. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026

Checking the Seal Jars that have successfully sealed will have a concave lid that won't pop back up when pressed. — Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026

Lightly wet just the concave side of the board and place it on a damp kitchen towel on your countertop. — Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

The cello’s top and back are made from flat, concave carbon-fiber panels. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Latin concavus, from com- + cavus hollow — more at cave

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1552, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing concave

• convexo-concave
• plano-concave

Rhymes for concave

• agave
• behave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

Kids Definition

concave

adjective

con·​cave

kän-ˈkāv, 

ˈkän-ˌkāv

: hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl

concave lens

concavity

kän-ˈkav-ət-ē

noun

Medical Definition

concave

adjective

con·​cave kän-ˈkāv, ˈkän-ˌ 

: hollowed or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl