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

During our ride through Corbett, the Can-Am had no trouble negotiating sand, water and muddy potholes. —Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

To report potholes for repair, call the City Unified Center at 414-286-2489 or submit an online service request. —Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The potholes are so bad that people frequently get flat tires on it. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

For cruising around town while keeping tabs on the surrounding potholes, traffic and pedestrians, however, many cyclists prefer the more commanding, upright, back-friendly stance offered by a flat handlebar. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pothole

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

Kids Definition

pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl 

: a deep round hole (as in a road)