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
Swerve to avoid a car that's swerving to avoid a pothole.
—
Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Others warn of potholes in the roads, library closures, and less fire and police protection.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Drivers who encounter potholes can call the TDOT hotline at 833-836-8349.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025
But her road to this moment was filled with detours and potholes.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
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Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025
Others warn of potholes in the roads, library closures, and less fire and police protection.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Drivers who encounter potholes can call the TDOT hotline at 833-836-8349.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025
But her road to this moment was filled with detours and potholes.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
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