cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
Synonyms of cavitynext
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
especially : a hollowed-out space
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms of cavity

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To test this approach, the team first built miniature boats, each equipped with three cavities tuned to different frequencies. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 In its complaint, the real-estate firm points out that Urban Zen’s own lawsuit from June, alleging that rats are nesting in the cavities and holes of its Federal-style building from 1828, is evidence against them. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 25 Aug. 2026 Instead of a drawer, their baskets slide into tracks on each side of the oven cavity like the wire rack that comes with a toaster oven. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 This led him to create the Pupsicle, Woof's hero product that continues to gain popularity thanks to the engaging nature of its chewable build and refillable cavity that offers multiple ways to up your dog's nutrition. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cavity

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavity was in 1541

Phrases Containing cavity

Rhymes for cavity

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Browse Nearby Words

cavitoma
cavity
cavity oscillator
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Cite this Entry

“Cavity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cavity

noun
cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
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 How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

More from Merriam-Webster on cavity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cavity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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