cave Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
  2. verb hollow out as if making a cave or opening
    undermine.
    • The river was caving the banks
  3. verb explore natural caves
    spelunk.

WordNet

Cave noun
Etymology
F. cave, L. cavus hollow, whence cavea cavity. Cf. Cage.
Definitions
  1. A hollow place in the earth, either natural or artificial; a subterraneous cavity; a cavern; a den.
  2. Any hollow place, or part; a cavity. Obs. "The cave of the ear." Bacon.
Cave transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. caver. See Cave, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Caved ; present participle & verbal noun Caving
Definitions
  1. To make hollow; to scoop out. Obs.
    The mouldred earth cav'd the banke. Spenser.
Cave intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To dwell in a cave. Obs. Shak.
  2. See To cave in, below. To fall in or down; as, the sand bank caved. Hence (Slang), to retreat from a position; to give way; to yield in a disputed matter. H. Kingsley.

Webster 1913