pothole

[pot-hohl]

noun

1. a deep hole; pit.

2. a hole formed in pavement, as by excessive use or by extremes of weather.

3. a more or less cylindrical hole formed in rock by the grinding action of the detrital material in eddying water.

4. a cave opening vertically from the ground surface.

pothole

/ ˈpɒtˌhəʊl /

noun

1. geography

   1. a deep hole in limestone areas resulting from action by running water See also sinkhole

   2. a circular hole in the bed of a river produced by abrasion

2. a deep hole, esp one produced in a road surface by wear or weathering

Word History and Origins

Origin of pothole¹

First recorded in 1820–30; pot ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

"So far we have seen a new approach to potholes and a review of home-to-school transport bills. This work continues at pace."

From BBC

Abhesinh Parmar, a local council chief from a village near the bridge, said it was in a "dilapidated" condition and "had potholes everywhere".

From BBC

The government is understood to be developing plans that could see convicted criminals filling potholes and cleaning bins.

From BBC

He constantly made to-do lists — pothole fixes, tree-trimming, broken streetlights — and peppered city departments with letters and phone calls to get the work rolling.

From Los Angeles Times

Who knew there’d be so many backwater swamps, potholes and detours on the road to making America great again.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crater