root cellar

noun

1. a cellar, partially or wholly underground and usually covered with dirt, where root crops and other vegetables are stored.

Word History and Origins

Origin of root cellar¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

At one point, the Ukrainians identify a root cellar beneath a destroyed farmhouse as a shelter for Russian soldiers.

From Salon

People who don’t have a root cellar can try keeping their potatoes in a basket or a burlap sack.

From Seattle Times

The barn was twice the size of the house, built on top of a natural cave that served as a root cellar and cold storage.

From Literature

She recalled hiding in a root cellar with her baby brother, just as residents did last year.

From New York Times

Onward to the root cellar, basket in hand, to forage for ingredients.

From Salon