pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl How to pronounce pothole (audio)
Synonyms of potholenext
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
ˈpät-ˌhōld How to pronounce pothole (audio)
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.
Al Hassan remembers showing a group of visitors TAMM’s feature for taking pictures and reporting potholes. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026 However, funding transportation infrastructure, road improvements, and fixing potholes is a core function of government. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 The sceney Quadrado is a 20-minute cab ride away, or longer on rainy days, when potholes and heavy traffic can slow cars down to a halt. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Early use cases for individualized agents have included filing forms to have a pothole filled or messy telephone wires cleaned up, though these human response systems aren’t built to handle a massive uptick in requests. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for pothole

See All Rhymes for pothole

Browse Nearby Words

pot holder
pothole
potholer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pothole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pothole

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