incavo

hollow

noun EEN-kah-voh Rare

Origin: From Italian in- + cavo (hollow), from Latin cavus (hollow)

Also means

notch

Usage Note

Incavo refers to a concave recess, groove, or socket cut into a surface — for example the slot that holds a door hinge or the hollow in a mould. It is a technical term in carpentry, sculpture, and engineering; the more everyday word for a simple hollow is buco (hole) or cavità.

Examples

"La serratura entra nell'incavo del telaio."

Natural Translation

The lock fits into the hollow of the frame.

Free starter pack

Building your Italian vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Italian words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Mi Piace vs Mi Piacciono: How to Say 'I Like'

Use mi piace for one thing and mi piacciono for many — because in Italian the thing you like is the subject. The full rule, pronouns, and past tense.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian False Friends: 20 Words That Trick You

Italian false friends like preservativo, parenti, and caldo mean the opposite of what English speakers expect. Here are 20 ranked by how badly they bite.

June 5, 2026 6 min read