C1noun2K

Pit

UK /["/pɪt/"]/US /["/pɪt/"]/

Definition

a large deep hole in the ground

In simple words: A hole in the ground.

Examples

  • They dug a deep pit to plant the large tree.
  • The cherry pit was stuck in his tooth after he ate the fruit.
  • The concert was held in the orchestra pit beneath the stage.
  • His reputation fell into a pit of despair after the scandal.
  • The miners worked deep inside the coal pit, extracting valuable resources.
  • They carefully removed the pit from the avocado before making guacamole.

Usage notes

Used when referring to a hole, often in contexts like construction or mining. Avoid using in very formal writing unless referring to a specific type of pit (like a fire pit).

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagining a fruit with a large pit in the center.

Collocations

  • deep
  • shallow
  • bottomless
  • dig
  • deep
  • shallow
  • bottomless
  • dig
  • open
  • go down
  • village
  • closure
  • in a/​the pit
  • apricot
  • peach
  • etc.
  • remove

Synonyms

  • hole
  • hollow
  • cavity
  • depression
  • trench

Antonyms

  • peak
  • summit
  • top

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pitt', which is not a word.
  • Using 'pit' incorrectly as a verb.
  • Mixing up 'pit' with 'bit' in pronunciation.