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

Road commissions say a temperature rise is the key ingredient to potholes, which could pose a danger on the road. —Julia Avant, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Fix the potholes, or fight the power? —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

If the city manager is doing a poor or unacceptable job — if potholes go unfilled, graffiti goes unabated or 911 response times lag — the City Council can act swiftly. —Steven Falk, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026

Slushy roads and potholes don’t exist at the Chicago Auto Show. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

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)