Hollow or Hallow: Meaning and Correct Usage 2026

Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether it should be hollow or hallow? You’re not alone.

Many people search for hallow or hollow because the words sound alike but have very different meanings. Using the wrong word can change your sentence completely and confuse readers.

This mix-up often appears in blogs, articles, emails, or social media posts. One word refers to emptiness or depth, while the other relates to respect or sacredness.

In this article, I will explain the difference between hollow or hallow, give examples, highlight mistakes, and guide you on correct usage.

By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use hollow and when hallow is correct.

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Hollow or Hallow: Quick Answer

Word	Meaning
Hollow	Empty inside; having a hole or space
Hallow	To make sacred, honor, or respect something

Examples:

• The tree was hollow inside, allowing birds to nest.
• The memorial was hallowed to honor the soldiers.

Quick Tip:
Use hollow for physical emptiness or figurative emptiness, and hallow when talking about respect, sacredness, or dedication.

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Origin:

The word hollow comes from Old English holh, meaning “cave or hole.” It has been used in English for centuries to describe things that are empty inside or have a depression, such as hollow trees, cavities, or valleys. Over time, it also acquired a figurative meaning, referring to things that lack substance, emotion, or meaning.

The word hallow originates from Old English halgian, meaning “to make holy” or “to sanctify.” It is closely related to words like “holy” and “halidom.” Over the centuries, it has been used in religious texts, ceremonies, and expressions such as “All Hallows’ Eve,” showing reverence or sacredness.

Although hollow or hallow sound alike today, their histories and meanings are completely distinct.

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British English vs American English

There is no spelling difference between British and American English for hollow or hallow.

Word	British English	American English
Hollow	hollow	hollow
Hallow	hallow	hallow

Key Point:
The confusion is about meaning, not spelling. Both spellings are correct in all English variants.

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Which One Should You Use?

Choosing between hollow or hallow depends entirely on context:

• Use hollow when talking about:
  • Physical emptiness (a hollow log)
  • Figurative emptiness (a hollow promise)
• Use hallow when talking about:
  • Sacred or holy objects
  • Honoring someone or something (hallow a memory, hallowed ground)

For most everyday writing, hollow is far more common, while hallow appears in religious or formal contexts.

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Common Mistakes:

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
The memorial was hollowed to honor soldiers.	The memorial was hallowed to honor soldiers.
The tree was hallow inside, allowing animals to nest.	The tree was hollow inside, allowing animals to nest.
We must hollow this day.	We must hallow this day.

Why these mistakes happen:

• Pronunciation similarity
• Confusion between physical and spiritual meanings
• Lack of awareness of historical or religious use

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Everyday Examples

Context	Example
Emails	The project felt hollow after repeated delays.
News	The ancient monument is hallowed by history and tradition.
Social Media	Feeling hollow after watching the sad movie.
Formal Writing	Veterans’ graves are hallowed by national respect.

Tip: Using the correct word improves clarity, professionalism, and the reader’s understanding.

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Figurative Uses of Hollow

• Hollow promise: A promise without real intent
• Hollow victory: A victory that lacks significance
• Hollow laugh: A laugh that lacks genuine emotion

Hollow can describe both physical and abstract emptiness.

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Figurative Uses of Hallow

• Hallowed ground: Land respected for its historical or spiritual significance
• Hallowed tradition: A practice respected and revered over time
• Hallow someone’s memory: To honor or commemorate a person or event

Hallow always carries a sense of reverence or sanctity.

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Side by Side Comparison

Hollow	Hallow
Empty inside or figuratively	Sacred, honored, or revered
Common in everyday language	Mostly formal, historical, or religious
Can describe objects or feelings	Refers to respect, sanctity, or veneration
Examples: hollow tree, hollow promise	Examples: hallowed ground, hallowed memory

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FAQs:

1. Are hollow and hallow interchangeable?
No. They have very different meanings. Hollow = empty; hallow = sacred or honored.

2. Why do hollow and hallow sound alike?
They are homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

3. Can hollow be used figuratively?
Yes. Examples include hollow promise, hollow laugh, or hollow victory.

4. Can hallow be used figuratively?
Yes, in formal or literary contexts, like hallowed tradition or hallowed memory.

5. Is hallow commonly used in modern English?
It is less common today but appears in religious, historical, or formal writing.

6. Can hollow describe emotions?
Yes, for example: “He felt hollow after the loss.”

7. Can hallow describe objects?
Yes, but only if the object is treated with respect or considered sacred, like a monument.

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Conclusion

Understanding the difference between hollow or hallow is easier once you focus on meaning. Hollow refers to physical emptiness or figurative emptiness, while hallow conveys sacredness, honor, or reverence. Using the wrong word can confuse readers and weaken your writing, especially in professional, academic, or social contexts.

Whether you are writing a blog, an email, a news article, or a social media post, choosing hollow or hallow correctly improves clarity and professionalism. Remember, everyday emptiness is hollow, and what you honor or respect is hallowed. With this simple rule, you’ll confidently write and speak without making mistakes.

Next time you pause to ask yourself whether it should be hollow or hallow, remember these meanings, and your writing will always be clear and precise.

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