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.
Boston’s potholes have always needed fixing, and the Council has long been tasked with attending to matters that affect the lives of constituents. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025 Smaller crews working fewer hours have ballooned the city’s backlog of pothole repairs from roughly 150 just before the restrictions to nearly 2,000. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 Information about potholes can be used to dispatch repair crews while salt trucks can be sent out to deal with icy roads. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 This designer tote bag also zips closed, so speed bumps and potholes are no cause for concern. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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