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

In a previous era, local officials would constantly proclaim that there wasn’t a Republican or Democratic way to fill a pothole or pick up garbage. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026

More than 45,100 potholes have been filled so far this year, Transportation Department officials said, with efforts ramping up in the coming weeks as the weather gets warmer. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026

Many a Central Florida driver navigating around potholes or bumpy pavement might describe the region’s roads as bad. —Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

To critics who say her advocacy has taken her far afield of nuts-and-bolts council work like balancing the city budget or advocating for streets riddled with potholes, Kim says just the opposite. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 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)