manhole

noun

man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: 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
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.
No stone has been left unturned as windows of artificial buildings have curtains and flower boxes, manhole covers are set into the floor and custom scents waft through the air in each land, from warm woody notes to sweet candy aromas. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Changes in the plans to reconnect steam service mainly include removing multiple vent stacks near the Nicolet and Joliet cooperatives in the Mies district vicinities to, instead, use traditional cast iron manhole covers. Dana Afana, Freep.com, 4 July 2025 Under the manhole cover lid, a small red rat peered outward. Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 July 2025 Tim Kingsland, sanitary/stormwater district coordinator, said workers will inventory all the city’s stormwater infrastructure including manholes, pipes, ponds and swales. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for manhole

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhole was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhole. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

manhole

noun
man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: a covered hole (as in a pavement, tank, or boiler) through which a worker may go

More from Merriam-Webster on manhole

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