Cave: meaning, definitions and examples

A large natural space in the ground or in the side of a hill or mountain. It is often used to describe a general concept of a natural cavity.

• We explored a cave near the beach
• The bear may be hiding in the cave

A larger and often more complex version of a cave, typically used to describe vast underground chambers. It suggests grandeur and an extensive network of underground passages.

• The explorers marveled at the vastness of the cavern
• Stalactites and stalagmites adorned the cavern’s ceiling and floor

A small, picturesque cave, often with a magical or charming quality. It is frequently used in a more decorative or ornamental sense, sometimes in gardens or as part of religious settings.

• The garden had a beautiful stone grotto with a statue inside
• The travelers found a hidden grotto behind the waterfall

A small, cozy, often underground space, used primarily by animals as a home or a hideout. It can also refer to a comfortable room in a house where one can retreat to relax.

• The fox returned to its den at sunset
• He sat comfortably in his den, reading a book