manhole

noun

man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl 

: a hole through which one may go especially to gain access to an underground or enclosed structure

Examples of manhole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In early November, raw sewage bubbled out of manholes in neighborhoods from Rio Vista to Las Olas Isles and Coral Ridge after king tides and heavy rain overwhelmed the city’s wastewater and pump systems. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

Viktor and Malina make their living stealing manhole covers and copper busts. — Mark Schilling, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

And manhole covers were popping up in the Pinetop-Lakeside area of central Arizona, where residents reported sewage backing up into homes because of flooding, the region’s sanitary district announced. — Christopher Weber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

The events over the weekend follow similar recent instances of individuals seen entering or exiting the manholes found across New York City streets. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for manhole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

manhole

noun

man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl 

: a covered hole (as in a pavement, tank, or boiler) through which a worker may go