ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hollow

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈhɑɫoʊ// UK //hˈɒləʊ// hol·low General-service Informal

n. a small, low area of land or a hole inside something. You might find a hollow in a tree or a quiet hollow between two hills.

n. a small valley or a depressed area on a surface; also a cavity or space within a solid object. Often used in topographical descriptions to denote a sheltered, low-lying spot.


SIMPLE

The rabbit disappeared into a hollow under the tree.

CONTEXTUAL

We built our campfire in a small hollow to protect the flames from the strong mountain wind.

COMPLEX

The ancient oak tree featured a deep hollow where several generations of owls had nested, sheltered from the harsh winter storms that swept across the valley floor.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English holow, holowe, holwe, holwȝ, holgh, from Old English holh (“a hollow”), from Proto-West Germanic holh, from Proto-Germanic hulhwą, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *ḱólḱwos. Cognate with Old High German huliwa and hulwa, Middle High German hülwe. Related to hole.

Etymology 2

From Middle English holowe, holwe, holuȝ, holgh, from the noun (see above).

Etymology 3

Compare holler.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'in' or 'into'.

Idioms2 entries

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