Hollow

/ˈhɒl.oʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A cavity or space within something.

The explorer discovered a hollow in the mountain filled with ancient artifacts.

verb

To make or become hollow; to remove the inside of something.

They hollowed out the pumpkin to make a jack-o'-lantern.

adjective

Having a space or cavity inside; not solid.

The tree trunk was hollow, providing a perfect home for birds.

Lacking real value, sincerity, or substance; empty.

His words felt hollow and insincere after everything that had happened.

Deeply indented; concave.

The hollow sound of the drum echoed throughout the hall.

Middle English 'holwe', from Old English 'holh' meaning 'hole' or 'cavity'.

hollow victory:

A victory that comes at such a great cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat.

hollow man:

A person who is perceived as lacking depth or substance; superficial.

hollow laugh:

A laugh that lacks genuine amusement or joy.

To be emotionally vacant or insincere.

He seemed so hollow after the breakup; nothing really mattered to him anymore.

Lacking substance or depth in conversation.

Their discussions felt hollow, like they were skimming the surface.