pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl How to pronounce pothole (audio)
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
potholed adjective

Examples of pothole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The roads are full of litter and potholes, with raw sewage and piles of uncollected garbage posing a health risk. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 The cost of salting roads in the winter and fixing potholes is more expensive when there is inflation. Michael D. Belsky, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024 Business failures, homes being foreclosed because of an unaffordable tax burden, vehicles being damaged by unfilled potholes and higher crime due to police cuts are all potential consequences of having to fix a budget deficit. Michael D. Belsky, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024 With the defense having failed to get a gag order on witnesses or see the case tossed out on allegations of government leaks, the road to that trial is looking increasingly to be full of potholes. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pothole 

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pothole was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near pothole

Cite this Entry

“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pothole

noun
pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl How to pronounce pothole (audio)
: a deep round hole (as in a road)

More from Merriam-Webster on pothole

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