pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl 

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 

adjective

Examples of pothole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl 

: a deep round hole (as in a road)