pit
n. countable C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈpɪt// UK //pˈɪt// pit
n. a large, deep hole in the ground. It can be a natural hole or one that people dig to get coal or stone out of the earth.
n. a large hole in the ground, either natural or man-made. Often used to refer to an excavation site for mining or a sunken area designed for a specific purpose, such as car repairs or orchestra seating.
The workers dug a deep pit for the new foundation.
The hikers had to be careful not to fall into the hidden pit while exploring the forest.
What began as a small excavation soon became a massive gravel pit that dominated the local landscape and provided materials for the entire region's road network.
Usage
Often used metaphorically to describe a feeling of emptiness or a very messy place.