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
The massive gains on child care, sewer socialism with the potholes, and the snow.
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
Weaving between potholes on Forest Service logging roads.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
From bad bridges to potholes and fatal crashes on dangerous streets, a new report shows roads across the Sacramento region need major repairs.
—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Brown hit his share of potholes during the regular season, most notably with Karl-Anthony Towns.
—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pothole
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David Weigel,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
Weaving between potholes on Forest Service logging roads.
—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
From bad bridges to potholes and fatal crashes on dangerous streets, a new report shows roads across the Sacramento region need major repairs.
—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Brown hit his share of potholes during the regular season, most notably with Karl-Anthony Towns.
—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
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