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

She also got blasted on Fox News this week for a recent video of the mayor’s office being unable to fix a pothole. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026

These are small to large grasslands usually sprinkled with wetlands (glacial potholes) and set amid private farmland, which supplies the grain. — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026

The suspension does a good job of smoothing out potholes and broken surfaces, while the relatively tall tyres fitted to 18in wheels help keep the ride composed. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

In the small Sri Lankan surf town of Hiriketiya, tuk-tuks whiz past, dodging potholes and dogs sleeping in the sun. — Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 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)