1
a
: a circular hole formed in the rocky bed of a river by the grinding action of stones or gravel whirled round by the water
b
: a sizable rounded often water-filled depression in land
2
: a pot-shaped hole in a road surface
3
: a usually minor difficulty or setback
hit a pothole in her comeback attempt
Examples of pothole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But society needs to care for the homeless, the addicted, the recently incarcerated as well as dispose of waste, build highways and patch potholes.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 May 2024
Obviously, an open cup with an enormous straw sticking out of it is not ideal for a moving vehicle taking sharp turns or going over potholes.
—Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 10 May 2024
The span immediately tumbled into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers who were on the bridge to repair potholes.
—Madeleine O'Neill, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 The road to emotional stability is filled with potholes, making your journey feel less than stable.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pothole 
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 May 2024
Obviously, an open cup with an enormous straw sticking out of it is not ideal for a moving vehicle taking sharp turns or going over potholes.
—Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 10 May 2024
The span immediately tumbled into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers who were on the bridge to repair potholes.
—Madeleine O'Neill, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 The road to emotional stability is filled with potholes, making your journey feel less than stable.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pothole
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pothole.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
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