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
Examples of pothole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That day was a bright spot for the pair after a year with both personal peaks and potholes.
—
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Housing materials in artistic practice are fitting for an environment that is constantly under simultaneous construction and degradation, with sea levels continuing to rise, potholes throughout the city and as our own infrastructure buckles under the weight of an ever growing population.
—Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
The family plans to use its foundation to help other families avoid such potholes in the health care system as part of a broader goal of addressing mental and heart health and physical well-being.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
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Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Housing materials in artistic practice are fitting for an environment that is constantly under simultaneous construction and degradation, with sea levels continuing to rise, potholes throughout the city and as our own infrastructure buckles under the weight of an ever growing population.
—Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
The family plans to use its foundation to help other families avoid such potholes in the health care system as part of a broader goal of addressing mental and heart health and physical well-being.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
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