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.
There are also Lime scooters everywhere, but some roads have potholes, so riders beware. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025 Proterra apparently wasn’t prepared for the potential potholes the business would face. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 But a gaping pothole the less deft of these films court — the imposition of condescending judgment and an invite to mock — is also sidestepped. David Katz, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025 During the carnage at Centurion in 2023, there were some emerging potholes that have not been filled. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 31 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pothole

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

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