hollow trunk

USAGE SUMMARY

'hollow trunk' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a tree that has been hollowed out or cut down to the trunk. For example: "The old oak tree had been cut down, leaving only the hollow trunk behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Birds weren't alone in enjoying the landscape: a fat raccoon mooned us from a hollow trunk.

The New York Times

It's thought to be over 800 years old and, according to legend, its hollow trunk was used as a hideout by Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Princeton University

This is especially so on visiting the 800-year-old Major oak, whose hollow trunk could easily have sheltered the lofty Little John.

The Guardian - Travel

Its hollow trunk has been used for parties; at one point, it is claimed, three dozen people managed to stand within it.

The Guardian - Travel

Paul Windle's illustration of a museum display in Waycross, Ga. of a mummified dog that got stuck in the hollow trunk of a tree.

The New York Times

Film footage from that excursion — wet, naked bodies crammed into a hollow trunk — complements the dancers, who are decked out in simian furs and fencing gear.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The ants establish colonies within the hollow trunks and stems of the Cecropia plants.

Britannica

Older individuals often have huge hollow trunks that are formed by the fusion of multiple stems over time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With hollow trunks, exposed roots, twisted limbs and curling branches, trees make perfect hiding places for treasure.

The Guardian - Travel

"Too far away". But I found a few carvings, made from hollow trunks, of rings of people reaching out toward one another.

The New York Times - Magazine

Brush- and long-tailed species shelter in tree roots, hollow trunks, rocky crevices, termite mounds, caves, abandoned burrows, or eroded cavities along stream banks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "hollow trunk", consider specifying the cause of the hollowness (e.g., decay, animal activity, or human intervention) for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow trunk" metaphorically to describe emotional emptiness or lack of substance. While creative, it can sound awkward or cliché. Opt for more conventional expressions like "empty inside" or "devoid of feeling."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow trunk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples where "hollow trunk" is used to describe a physical feature of a tree. It names and specifies a particular kind of tree trunk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hollow trunk" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a tree trunk with an empty interior. As confirmed by Ludwig, its main function is descriptive, used to provide information about the physical state of a tree in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. When using the phrase, consider specifying the cause of the hollowness for added clarity, and avoid overusing it in figurative speech where other expressions might be more appropriate. While its use is generally straightforward, being mindful of these nuances can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty tree trunk

Replaces "hollow" with "empty", focusing on the lack of contents within the trunk.

vacant tree trunk

Uses "vacant" to emphasize the unoccupied nature of the trunk's interior.

tree with a cavity

Describes the presence of a cavity within the tree, rather than focusing on the trunk itself.

tree with a hollow interior

Specifies that the hollowness is inside the tree, clarifying the location of the empty space.

trunk with a void

Replaces "hollow" with "void", offering a more formal synonym for emptiness.

excavated tree trunk

Suggests that the hollow was created by some external action.

tree with a missing core

Highlights the absence of the central part of the tree trunk.

tree with internal space

Focuses on the existence of available space inside the tree trunk.

tree with a natural chimney

Implies a vertical hollow, which might serve as a chimney. Note the increased specicity.

tree with a tunnel inside

Emphasizes tunnel-like characteristic of hollow space inside trunk.

FAQs

How can I describe the size of a "hollow trunk"?

Specify the dimensions using measurements (e.g., "a two-meter wide hollow trunk") or relatable comparisons (e.g., "a hollow trunk large enough for three people to stand inside").

What causes a tree to have a "hollow trunk"?

Several factors can cause this condition, including fungal decay, insect infestation, physical damage from storms or fire, and sometimes even human activity.

What words are similar to "hollow" in the context of a tree trunk?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use words like "empty", "vacant", "void", or "excavated".

Is there a difference between a "hollow trunk" and a "hollow log"?

Yes, a "hollow trunk" refers to the standing or fallen main stem of a tree that has an empty interior, while a "hollow log" typically refers to a section of a fallen tree that is lying on the ground.