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

The economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal fell into the same pothole. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

The hot chip-sealing technique, which ITD first launched in 2024, involves placing hot asphalt atop the roadway and then sealing it with a surface layer of gravel and hot oil to shore up cracks and prevent potholes. —Rose Evans july 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2025

Drivers who encounter potholes can call the TDOT hotline at 833-836-8349. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 17 July 2025

California can fix potholes and expand transit without gutting taxpayer safeguards. —Robert Gutierrez, Oc Register, 15 July 2025

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)