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

What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

The family plans to use its foundation to help other families avoid such potholes in the health care system as part of a broader goal of addressing mental and heart health and physical well-being. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025

Drivers who encounter potholes can call the TDOT hotline at 833-836-8349. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025

The park is also home to striking glacial potholes — including one of the largest on the planet. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 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)