Hollowed

The adjective 'hollowed' describes something that has been made empty inside, or that has had a depression or cavity formed within it. This can be a physical emptiness, like a tree trunk after the heartwood has decayed, or a figurative emptiness, such as a person whose spirit has been diminished by grief. The term often implies a gradual process of erosion or removal, leaving behind a weakened or altered form. The act of hollowing can also refer to shaping or excavating. The degree to which something is hollowed varies and gives character.

Hollowed meaning with examples

• The ancient oak tree, deeply hollowed by years of wind and rain, provided a home for various woodland creatures. Its massive trunk showed where the heartwood had rotted away. The hollowed interior offered shelter, reminding us of time's patient sculpting of nature's forms.
• After weeks of relentless stress, Sarah felt completely hollowed out, as if all her energy and joy had been systematically drained away. The once vibrant spirit was now a vacant shell, struggling to find even a trace of optimism in the day to day grind.
• The chef hollowed out the zucchini to make room for a savory filling, then baked the dish for about an hour. The culinary skill transformed the vegetables into a visually appealing centerpiece, which was a true labor of love. It was a testament to the effort to make food beautiful.
• The sculptor meticulously hollowed the marble block, revealing the delicate form hidden within. The delicate process, a test of skill, brought the artistry to life, as the stone's hidden contours emerged. The finished piece evoked a sense of timeless grace.