hollow

Everyday

1. Hollow means empty inside, with a space in it. tree →
2. A hollow is a hole in something, or a small low place in the ground. tree →
3. To hollow out something is to make a hole or space inside it. tree →
4. Hollow can mean not sincere or not true, like a hollow promise. tree →
5. A hollow sound is deep and empty-sounding, as if it comes from an empty space. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons birds' bones are hollow, so they are light for flying; a hollow tree trunk can be a home for owls and squirrels. In music, hollow instruments make sound echo. At Halloween people hollow out pumpkins. In stories a hollow sound or a hollow laugh. Phrases: hollow tree, hollow out, hollow promise, hollow sound.

Examples

• The owl lives in a hollow tree. tree →
• Birds have hollow bones. tree →
• Tap the box — it sounds hollow. tree →
• We hollowed out a pumpkin for Halloween. tree →
• Rain collected in a hollow in the ground. tree →
• A chocolate egg is hollow inside. tree →
• His promise sounded hollow. tree →
• There is nothing in you; you are hollow and empty. tree →

Note

Spelling: double l, ends in -ow. Opposite: solid. A hollow object can be strong and light — that is why tubes and bones are hollow. In maths, a hollow box (open or closed) has surface area but encloses empty space.

In Jewish tradition

The altar was made of boards with space inside.

Interpretation. Tradition says the hollow altar was filled with earth or stones when used in the wilderness.

Examples

• Hollow with planks shalt thou make it; as it hath been shown thee in the mount, so shall they make it. (Torah EXO.27.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, wherewith to bear it; he made it hollow with planks. (Torah EXO.38.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then the angel of the LORD stood in a hollow way between the vineyards, a fence being on this side, and a fence on that side. (Torah NUM.22.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• He hath digged a pit, and hollowed it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. (Writings PSA.7.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And as for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers; it was hollow. (Prophets JER.52.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (Prophets ISA.40.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: double l, ends in -ow. Opposite: solid. A hollow object can be strong and light — that is why tubes and bones are hollow. In maths, a hollow box (open or closed) has surface area but encloses empty space.