/ ˈhɒləʊ; NAmE ˈhɑːloʊ/ adjective , noun , verb
■ adjective
1.
having a hole or empty space inside :
a hollow ball / centre / tube
The tree trunk was hollow inside.
Her stomach felt hollow with fear.
2.
( of parts of the face ) sinking deeply into the face :
hollow eyes / cheeks
hollow-eyed from lack of sleep
3.
[ usually before noun ] ( of sounds ) making a low sound like that made by an empty object when it is hit :
a hollow groan
4.
[ usually before noun ] not sincere :
hollow promises / threats
a hollow laugh
Their appeals for an end to the violence had a hollow ring .
His promise rang hollow (= did not sound sincere) .
5.
[ usually before noun ] without real value :
to win a hollow victory
► hol·low·ly adverb :
to laugh hollowly
► hol·low·ness noun [ U ]:
the hollowness of the victory
■ noun
1.
an area that is lower than the surface around it, especially on the ground :
muddy hollows
The village lay secluded in a hollow of the hills (= a small valley) .
She noticed the slight hollows under his cheekbones.
2.
a hole or a confined space in sth :
The squirrel disappeared into a hollow at the base of the tree.
■ verb
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] to make a flat surface curve in
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PHRASAL VERBS
- hollow sth out
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English holh cave ; obscurely related to hole .