If you are confused about hollow or hallow, you are not alone. These two words look and sound very similar, but they have completely different meanings. Hollow usually describes something that is empty inside, while hallow means to make something holy or sacred.
Both hollow and hallow are correct English words. The right choice depends entirely on what you are trying to say. If you are describing an empty space inside something, use hollow. If you are talking about making something sacred or treating it as holy, use hallow.
This guide explains the difference between hallow vs hollow, how to pronounce each word, when to use them, common mistakes, and plenty of examples to make the distinction easy to remember.
Quick Answer: Hollow or Hallow?
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Hollow | Empty inside; having a cavity or empty space | The tree is hollow inside. |
| Hallow | To make holy or sacred; to honor as holy | The ceremony hallowed the place. |
| Hollow vs Hallow | Different words with different meanings | Choose based on context. |
| Hallow vs Hollow | Not interchangeable | Hollow relates to emptiness; hallow relates to holiness. |
The simple rule
Hollow = empty inside
Hallow = make holy or sacred
So, if you mean an empty object, choose hollow.
If you mean something sacred or holy, choose hallow.
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Hollow or Hallow: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Both hollow and hallow are correct spellings, but they are not interchangeable.
Hollow is the much more common word. It can describe an object with an empty interior, a depression in the ground, or even a person’s voice or expression.
For example:
The tree has a hollow trunk.
Here, hollow means the inside of the trunk is empty.
Hallow, on the other hand, is a much less common word. As a verb, it means to make something holy or sacred or to honor something as holy.
For example:
The ceremony hallowed the historic site.
In this sentence, hallowed means the ceremony made the site sacred or treated it as sacred.
Therefore, when deciding between hallow or hollow, first ask what meaning you need.
What Does Hollow Mean?
Hollow generally means having an empty space inside something.
For example:
The old tree is hollow.
The tree has an empty space inside its trunk.
The word can describe many physical objects:
The pipe is hollow.
The ball is hollow.
The chocolate egg has a hollow center.
The statue is hollow inside.
In each example, hollow refers to an empty interior or cavity.
However, hollow has other meanings too. It can describe a low area in the land, an empty or insincere feeling, or a sound that seems deep and resonant.
Hollow as an Adjective
The most common use of hollow is as an adjective.
It describes something that is empty inside or contains a cavity.
Examples:
The branch was completely hollow.
We found a hollow log in the forest.
The metal tube is hollow.
The sculpture has a hollow interior.
It can also describe something lacking substance or sincerity.
For example:
His promise sounded hollow.
This does not mean the promise physically had a hole inside it. Instead, hollow means the promise seemed insincere or meaningless.
Another example:
She felt a hollow sense of disappointment.
Here, the word describes an emotional feeling of emptiness.
Hollow as a Noun
Hollow can also be a noun.
As a noun, it can refer to a small valley, depression, or low area of land.
For example:
The cabin sits in a quiet hollow between two hills.
In this use, hollow does not mean an empty object. It refers to a geographic depression.
Another example:
They walked through the wooded hollow.
This meaning is especially common in certain regional and literary forms of English.
Hollow as a Verb
Hollow can also be used as a verb meaning to make something empty inside.
For example:
The insects hollowed out the wood.
The workers hollowed the log to make a canoe.
The sculptor hollowed out the center of the statue.
The phrase hollow out is particularly common.
For example:
They hollowed out the pumpkin for Halloween.
This means they removed the inside of the pumpkin.
What Does Hallow Mean?
Hallow means to make something holy or sacred, or to regard something as sacred.
It is much less common than hollow, but it is a legitimate English word.
For example:
The tradition hallowed the ancient site.
This means the tradition gave the site a sacred status or treated it as sacred.
The word is often found in religious, historical, and literary contexts.
Hallow and the Word Halloween
The word hallow also has a well-known connection with Halloween.
Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, meaning the evening before All Hallows’ Day, which is also known as All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday associated with honoring saints.
In the phrase All Hallows’ Eve, hallows refers to holy people or saints. This is directly connected to the same word family as hallow, meaning holy or to make something holy.
So, although the standalone verb hallow is relatively rare in modern everyday English, its related form has remained familiar through the word Halloween.
This is a useful reminder that hallow has not disappeared from the English language. It survives in familiar expressions and names, especially those connected with religious or historical traditions.
Hallow as a Verb
Hallow is primarily used as a verb.
It can mean:
- To make something holy or sacred.
- To honor something as sacred.
- To deeply respect or revere something.
For example:
The church hallowed the ground.
The ceremony hallowed the memorial.
The site was hallowed by centuries of religious tradition.
The past tense is:
hallowed
The present participle is:
hallowing
Hallow as a Noun
Hallow can also function as a noun, although this use is rare and mostly historical or literary.
As a noun, hallow can refer to a saint or, in older usage, something associated with a holy person, such as a holy relic or shrine.
For example, older or literary writing may use expressions such as:
seeking the hallows
This noun use is uncommon in modern English, so most readers are much more familiar with hallow as a verb or hallowed as an adjective.
Hallow as an Adjective: Hallowed
Although hallow itself is mainly a verb, the related word hallowed is commonly used as an adjective.
Hallowed means holy, sacred, or greatly revered.
Examples:
They walked through the hallowed halls of the old university.
The monument stands on hallowed ground.
The stadium is considered hallowed ground by generations of fans.
The word can be used literally in religious contexts or more figuratively for places and traditions that people deeply respect.
Hallow vs Hollow: The Main Difference
The easiest way to understand hallow vs hollow is to focus on their core meanings.
| Hollow | Hallow |
| Empty inside | Make holy or sacred |
| Describes cavities | Describes sanctification or reverence |
| Very common | Less common |
| Can be noun, adjective, and verb | Primarily a verb |
| Hollow tree | Hallow the ground |
| Hollow pipe | Hallow a sacred site |
| Hollow feeling | Hallowed tradition |
The key difference is:
Hollow is about emptiness.
Hallow is about holiness.
Hollow vs Hallow Pronunciation
Pronunciation is one reason these words can cause confusion.
Hollow is generally pronounced:
HOL-oh
The first syllable has the main stress.
Hallow is generally pronounced:
HAL-oh
The vowel sound in the first syllable is different.
The words are therefore similar in sound but not normally identical.
A useful way to remember the difference is:
hollow → HOL-oh → empty inside
hallow → HAL-oh → make holy
The pronunciation distinction may not always be obvious in fast speech or across different accents, which can contribute to spelling mistakes.
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Why Do People Confuse Hollow and Hallow?
The main reason is that the words are visually and phonetically similar.
They both begin with:
hal/hol + low-like ending
They also have similar syllable patterns.
Another reason is that hallow is uncommon in modern everyday English. People are much more familiar with hollow, so when they hear the less common word, they may automatically spell it as hollow.
For example, someone familiar with the expression hallowed ground may not immediately connect hallowed with the verb hallow.
The Separate Origins of Hollow and Hallow
Despite their similar appearance, hollow and hallow come from entirely separate linguistic roots. Hollow comes from the Old English word holh, meaning a cave, hole, or hollow place. Hallow comes from the Old English word halgian, meaning to make holy.
Their different origins help explain why their meanings are so different even though their modern spellings look remarkably similar.
This is why understanding the meanings is more useful than simply memorizing the spelling.
How Do You Spell Hollow?
The correct spelling is:
H-O-L-L-O-W
Notice the two l’s:
HOLLOW
Examples:
The tree is hollow.
The box is hollow inside.
They hollowed out the pumpkin.
A common mistake is writing hallow when you mean something is empty.
Incorrect:
❌ The tree is hallow inside.
Correct:
✅ The tree is hollow inside.
How Do You Spell Hallow?
The correct spelling is:
H-A-L-L-O-W
Notice the a after the initial h:
HALLOW
Examples:
The ceremony helped hallow the site.
The ground was hallowed by generations of worshippers.
If you mean to make something holy or sacred, use hallow.
Common Mistakes With Hollow and Hallow
One of the most common errors is using hallow when describing an empty object.
Incorrect:
❌ The tree has a hallow center.
Correct:
✅ The tree has a hollow center.
Another mistake is using hollow when talking about something sacred.
Incorrect:
❌ The ancient ceremony hollowed the ground.
Correct:
✅ The ancient ceremony hallowed the ground.
The words may look similar, but their meanings are completely different.
Hollow or Hallow in Everyday English
In everyday conversation, you will almost always encounter hollow more often.
You might talk about:
a hollow tree
a hollow tube
a hollow sound
a hollow feeling
hollow chocolate
a hollow ball
By comparison, hallow tends to appear in religious, historical, literary, or formal contexts.
For example:
hallowed ground
hallowed halls
hallowed traditions
hallowed memory
This difference in frequency can help you decide which word you probably need.
Hollow or Hallow in Religious Contexts
When the subject is holiness, religion, or something being treated as sacred, hallow is the appropriate word.
For example:
The ceremony hallowed the sacred ground.
The adjective hallowed is especially common:
The pilgrims entered the hallowed place.
The ground was hallowed.
The church contains several hallowed objects.
Remember that hallowed is connected to hallow, not hollow.
Hollow or Hallow in Literature
Both words appear frequently in literature, but they serve different purposes.
Hollow may describe physical emptiness:
The hollow tree stood alone in the forest.
It can also describe emotional emptiness:
His victory felt hollow.
Hallow and hallowed can describe reverence:
The ancient battlefield had become hallowed ground.
Authors may also use hollow metaphorically to describe something that lacks meaning or sincerity.
For example:
Her words sounded hollow.
This means her words lacked genuine feeling.
Hollow vs Hallow Examples
Here are some examples that make the difference easier to see.
| Sentence | Correct Word | Why |
| The tree is ___ inside. | Hollow | It is empty inside. |
| The priest ___ the ground. | Hallowed | The ground was made sacred. |
| The pipe is ___. | Hollow | It has an empty interior. |
| The site is considered ___. | Hallowed | It is regarded as sacred. |
| He felt ___ after the victory. | Hollow | He felt emotionally empty. |
| They ___ the memorial site. | Hallowed | They made or treated it as sacred. |
| The old log was ___. | Hollow | The log had an empty interior. |
| The cemetery was ___. | Hallowed | It was regarded as sacred. |
Hollow vs Hallow in Different Contexts
Physical Objects
Use hollow.
The metal pipe is hollow.
The branch is hollow.
Religion
Use hallow or hallowed.
The ceremony hallowed the location.
The ground was hallowed.
Emotions
Use hollow.
The achievement felt hollow.
Geography
Use hollow as a noun when referring to a valley or depression.
The house sits in a mountain hollow.
This context-based approach makes hallow vs hollow much easier to understand.
Is Hollow the More Common Word?
Yes. Hollow is much more common in modern English.
It appears in everyday conversation, writing, literature, science, and descriptions of physical objects.
For example, people commonly talk about:
- hollow trees
- hollow bones
- hollow pipes
- hollow objects
- hollow sounds
- hollow feelings
Hallow is comparatively uncommon and is most familiar through words such as hallowed, particularly in religious or figurative expressions.
This means that if you are unsure and your sentence is describing an empty object, hollow is almost certainly the word you need.
A Simple Memory Trick
A useful way to remember hollow vs hallow is:
HOLLOW has O → think of an OPEN or empty space.
HALLOW has A → think of a SACRED act.
Another simple trick:
Hollow = hole
Both words are associated with emptiness and an interior space.
Hallow = holy
Both are connected with the idea of making something sacred.
So remember:
HOLLOW → HOLE
HALLOW → HOLY
This is not an exact etymological rule, but it is a helpful memory device for spelling.
Hollow, Hallow, and Hallowed
These three forms can sometimes cause additional confusion.
Hollow
Means empty inside.
The tree is hollow.
Hallow
Means to make holy or sacred.
The ceremony will hallow the ground.
Hallowed
Means made holy, sacred, or greatly revered.
The ground is hallowed.
The spelling changes only slightly, but the meanings are completely different.
Hollow or Hallow: Quick Summary
When choosing between hollow or hallow, focus on the meaning.
Hollow means:
- empty inside
- containing a cavity
- lacking substance
- emotionally empty
- a low area of land
Hallow means:
- to make holy
- to make sacred
- to honor as holy
The related adjective hallowed means sacred or greatly revered.
The easiest comparison is:
| If you mean… | Use |
| Empty inside | Hollow |
| A cavity | Hollow |
| An empty emotional feeling | Hollow |
| A low valley | Hollow |
| Make something sacred | Hallow |
| Make something holy | Hallow |
| Sacred or revered | Hallowed |
We hope you guys find this guide helpful, here we have more for you:
FAQs
Is it hollow or hallow?
Both are correct words, but they have different meanings. Hollow means empty inside, while hallow means to make something holy or sacred.
What is the difference between hallow vs hollow?
Hallow is related to holiness and sanctification. Hollow is related to emptiness, cavities, or lack of substance.
Is hallow a real word?
Yes. Hallow is a legitimate English verb meaning to make something holy or sacred or to honor it as holy.
Is hollow a real word?
Yes. Hollow is a very common English word that can describe something empty inside, a low area of land, or something lacking substance.
Is hallow or hollow used for something empty?
Hollow is correct. For example, “The tree is hollow.”
Which word means sacred: hallow or hollow?
Hallow is the word connected with making something sacred. The adjective hallowed means holy, sacred, or greatly revered.
What does hollow mean?
Hollow usually means having an empty space inside something. It can also describe an emotional sense of emptiness or a sound that is deep and resonant.
What does hallow mean?
Hallow means to make something holy or sacred or to honor something as sacred.
Is hallowed related to hallow?
Yes. Hallowed is derived from hallow and means holy, sacred, or greatly revered.
Is Halloween related to the word hallow?
Yes. Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Hallows’ Day, also known as All Saints’ Day. In this phrase, hallows refers to holy people or saints and is directly connected to the word hallow.
Are hollow and hallow pronounced the same?
They are very similar, but they generally have different first-vowel sounds. Hollow is commonly pronounced “HOL-oh,” while hallow is commonly pronounced “HAL-oh.”
Can hollow be a verb?
Yes. Hollow can be used as a verb meaning to make something empty inside. For example, “They hollowed out the log.”
Can hollow be a noun?
Yes. A hollow can refer to a small valley or low area of land.
Is hallow commonly used?
Not as commonly as hollow. Hallow is more likely to appear in religious, historical, literary, or formal contexts.
What is the past tense of hallow?
The past tense is hallowed.
What is the past tense of hollow?
The past tense is hollowed.
What does hallowed ground mean?
Hallowed ground means ground considered holy, sacred, or deeply revered.
What does hollow feeling mean?
A hollow feeling is a sense of emotional emptiness, often after disappointment, loss, or an experience that does not provide the expected satisfaction.
Conclusion
When comparing hallow vs hollow, remember that both words are correct, but they have completely different meanings.
Hollow is the common word for something that is empty inside. It can also describe an emotional feeling of emptiness, a deep or resonant sound, or a low area of land.
Hallow is a less common verb connected with holiness. It means to make something holy or sacred or to honor it as sacred. Its more familiar form, hallowed, appears in phrases such as “hallowed ground” and “hallowed be thy name.”
The connection between hallow and Halloween is another useful way to remember the word. Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, where hallows refers to holy people or saints. The word hallow also has an uncommon noun use referring to a saint or something associated with a holy person, particularly in historical or literary writing.
The two words also have separate origins. Hollow comes from Old English holh, meaning a cave or hole, while hallow comes from Old English halgian, meaning to make holy. Their similar appearance is therefore misleading because they developed from different linguistic roots.
So, if you are asking hollow or hallow, use hollow when you mean empty and hallow when you mean make holy.
The easiest memory trick is:
HOLLOW = HOLE
HALLOW = HOLY
Once you connect each spelling with its meaning, the difference between hallow or hollow, hallow vs hollow, and hollow vs hallow becomes much easier to remember.
