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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
So given the potential roads and potholes, where might Comcast go next and what are the implications? Howard Homonoff, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 However, the road there is fraught with potential potholes, a couple of which Cherundolo’s team steered around Sunday. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Many roads in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, are poorly maintained and riven with potholes, causing accidents that claim dozens of lives every year. Reuters, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024 The city's streets are riddled with potholes thanks to years of underfunding and neglect. Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 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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