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.
Previously: 2 lanes of I-65 southbound closed 'until further notice' for pothole repair Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025 Drivers who encounter potholes can call the TDOT hotline at 833-836-8349. Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025 The new state money won't solve Indy's pothole problem. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 Of those surveyed, 68% said fixing potholes should be a priority. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 3 July 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 18 Jul. 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

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