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 park is also home to striking glacial potholes — including one of the largest on the planet.
—
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
The City of Fort Lauderdale faced backlash last year over an app that allowed residents to report homeless people in their communities, along with potholes and flooded streets.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
The City of Fort Lauderdale faced backlash last year over an app that allowed residents to report homeless people in their communities, along with potholes and flooded streets.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share