hollow
word
/ˈhɑɫoʊ/
HAH-loh
/hˈɒləʊ/
HO-loh
Definition
If something is hollow, it has an empty space inside. It can also describe a sound, feeling, or statement that seems empty, weak, or without real meaning.
Usage & Nuances
Common with physical objects: 'a hollow tree', 'hollow cheeks', 'hollow tube'. For abstract use, 'hollow victory' or 'hollow promise' means something that seems good or important but lacks real value. 'Hollow' often sounds more literary or expressive than simply 'empty'.
Spanish: hueco - vacío por dentroPortuguese (BR): oco - vazio por dentroPortuguese (PT): oco - vazio por dentroChinese (Simplified): 空心的 - 中空的Chinese (Traditional): 空心的 - 中空的Hindi: खोखला - भीतर से खालीArabic: أجوف - فارغ من الداخلBengali: ফাঁপা - খালিRussian: полый - пустойJapanese: 中が空洞の - 中身がないVietnamese: rỗng - trống rỗngKorean: 속이 빈 - 공허한Turkish: içi boş - boşUrdu: کھوکھلا - خالیIndonesian: berongga - kosong (abstrak)
Example Sentences
The box is hollow inside.
basic
We found a hollow tree in the park.
basic
His voice sounded hollow in the big room.
basic
After all that work, the win felt a little hollow.
natural
He gave a hollow laugh and changed the subject.
natural
Their apology sounded hollow, so nobody believed it.
natural