as in cave
a naturally formed underground chamber with an opening to the surface
at the heart of the shrine is a small rocky grotto into which pilgrims can descend
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Recent Examples of grotto
The centerpiece is the Grotto Pool, a sprawling tropical pool complete with waterfalls, a cave-like rock grotto, and a waterslide—and if your idea of a perfect pool day is recharging away from the noise, there's a lap pool on the property too.
—
Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
For Reykjavik native Gulla Jónsdóttir, the Aurora Borealis phenomena, molten-red erupting volcanoes, black sand shores and hot water grottoes were part of everyday life growing up.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
In the spa’s sauna area, visitors can choose from a Finnish sauna, charcoal sauna, salt grotto, and an ice room, among other features.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
This one-bedroom Airbnb is on the ground floor of the villa and showcases the building’s original soaring stone arches and curved ceilings that evoke an ancient grotto.
—Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grotto
Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
For Reykjavik native Gulla Jónsdóttir, the Aurora Borealis phenomena, molten-red erupting volcanoes, black sand shores and hot water grottoes were part of everyday life growing up.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
In the spa’s sauna area, visitors can choose from a Finnish sauna, charcoal sauna, salt grotto, and an ice room, among other features.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
This one-bedroom Airbnb is on the ground floor of the villa and showcases the building’s original soaring stone arches and curved ceilings that evoke an ancient grotto.
—Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grotto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grotto
Noun
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In Manatí, near a chain of Taíno caves and the Tortuguero Nature Reserve (the island’s only natural lagoon), Efrén David Robles is expanding the idea of what Puerto Rico offers beyond San Juan’s beaches and El Yunque National Forest.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Exploring the caves of Phang Nga Bay by kayak is another memorable highlight.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Noun
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Travelers can also enjoy nearby cenotes, natural swimming holes often found inside limestone caverns, and explore the Yucatán region’s iconic Mayan ruins.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2026
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Water is a constant threat The men became trapped during an expedition to find gold within the cramped and muddy underground caverns.—
Kocha Olarn,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grotto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grotto. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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