First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1cave
noun \ˈkāv\
: a large hole that was formed by natural processes in the side of a cliff or hill or under the ground
Full Definition of CAVE
1
: a natural chamber or series of chambers in the earth or in the side of a hill or cliff
2
: a usually underground chamber for storage <a wine cave>; also : the articles stored there
See cave defined for English-language learners
See cave defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CAVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin cava, from cavus hollow; akin to Greek koilos hollow, and probably to Greek kyein to be pregnant — more at cyme
Other Geology Terms
2cave
verb
cavedcav·ing
Definition of CAVE
transitive verb
: to form a cave in or under
intransitive verb
: to explore caves especially as a sport or hobby
— cav·er \ˈkā-vər\ noun
First Known Use of CAVE
15th century
3cave
verb \ˈkāv\
cavedcav·ing
Definition of CAVE
intransitive verb
1
: to fall in or down especially from being undermined —usually used with in
2
: to cease to resist : submit —usually used with in
transitive verb
: to cause to fall or collapse —usually used with in
Origin of CAVE
probably alteration of calve
First Known Use: 1513
CAVE Defined for Kids
1cave
noun \ˈkāv\
Definition of CAVE for Kids
: a large hollow place formed by natural processes in the side of a hill or cliff or underground
2cave
verb
cavedcav·ing
Definition of CAVE for Kids
: to fall or cause to fall in or down : collapse <The mine caved in.>
Learn More About CAVE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).