cavern

Everyday

1. A large cave, often deep under the ground. tree →
2. Any large, dark, empty space that feels like a cave. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons caverns form when water dissolves limestone over thousands of years. In stories and fantasy, caverns are full of dragons, treasure and danger. Phrases: "underground cavern", "a vast cavern", "cavern system".

Examples

• The explorers found a huge cavern under the hill. tree →
• Stalactites hung from the cavern ceiling. tree →
• The dragon slept in a dark cavern. tree →
• Water carved out the cavern over thousands of years. tree →
• Never explore caverns without an adult and a guide. tree →
• The empty hall felt like a cavern. tree →
• In the cavern sat an old woman spinning. tree →

Note

Countable: a cavern, caverns. A cavern is usually bigger than a cave. Adjective: "cavernous" (huge and empty).