# cenote

> English word · Noun · IPA /sɛˈnoʊteɪ/

## Definitions
1. A deep natural well or sinkhole, especially in Mexico and Central America, formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes groundwater underneath, and sometimes used by the ancient Mayans for sacrificial offerings.

## Etymology
From Spanish cenote, from Yucatec Maya tsʼonoʼot (“hole with water”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cenote