1 C1 neutral
To create a hollow space by removing material from the interior.
"Over centuries, the river had caved out a wide grotto in the limestone cliff."
separable
cave out
C1 neutral separable transitive
To create a hollow or cave-like space by digging or eroding material from within.
In plain English
To dig out the inside of something to make a hollow space, like digging a cave.
What does "cave out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cave (excavate) something outward — creating a hollow.
Actually means
To dig out the inside of something to make a hollow space, like digging a cave.
Usage tip
Rare. The more common equivalent is 'hollow out' or 'carve out.' 'Cave out' appears in geological or engineering contexts and is not an established standard phrasal verb in most dictionaries. Learners should prefer 'hollow out' or 'carve out.'
Words that pair with "cave out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
space tunnel rock earth chamber
How to conjugate "cave out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cave out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
caves out
he/she/it
Past simple
caved out
yesterday
Past participle
caved out
have + pp
-ing form
caving out
continuous
Hear "cave out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cave out"
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