grottoes
|grot-toes|
🇺🇸
/ˈɡrɑːtoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɡrɒtəʊ/
(grotto)
small cave
Etymology
'grotto' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'grotta', where 'grotta' derived from Late Latin 'crypta', in which 'crypta' meant 'vault' or 'cave'.
'grotto' changed from Late Latin word 'crypta' to Italian 'grotta' and eventually entered modern English as 'grotto' (via Italian usage during the Renaissance and into the 17th century).
Initially, it meant 'vault' or 'cave', but over time it evolved to include 'artificial or ornamental cave' used in gardens and architecture.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small natural cave, especially one that is picturesque or adjacent to the sea.
The island's coastline is dotted with sea grottoes that can be reached only by boat.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an artificial or ornamental cave or recess built in gardens or architecture (often decorative or used as a retreat).
At the villa, lavish grottoes were built as cool retreats in the summer gardens.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/29 07:03