hollow
A small sheltered valley between the hills, often with a creek.
Also called holler.
Updated September 24, 2026
hollow pronunciation
/HAHL-er (often "holler")/
Meaning
A hollow is that little fold in the mountains where a creek runs and a few houses sit back off the road. Outside Appalachia folks spell it hollow and say it that way. In the hills it comes out holler, same word. People live up the hollow, raise kids there, and know every neighbor's truck. Strange tags on a car rolling in get noticed fast.
How folks use it
- “They still live up the hollow past the old mill.”
- “Come winter, that hollow stays shady and the frost hangs on all day.”
Origin and etymology
Standard English hollow for a low place or small valley. Appalachian and Upper Southern speech turns the final -ow into -er, so hollow sounds like holler (same trick as winder and tater). The Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English notes place names like Hell's Holler and Piedy Holler. DARE marks the holler pronunciation as chiefly South and South Midland, especially Southern Appalachians and the Ozarks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hollow the same as a holler?
Same place. Hollow is the spelling; holler is how mountain folks often say it. Not the same as hollering when you yell.