manhole

noun

man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: a hole through which one may go especially to gain access to an underground or enclosed structure

Examples of manhole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Several years ago, a police horse had a similar incident downtown on a manhole cover, and many dogs have died from stray electricity. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 One issue, Denker said, is the 220-plus manhole covers on the race circuit that had to be welded to ensure the race cars don't suck them off the road. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 With the city hall's toilets out of order, officials erected emergency toilets over sewer manholes outside the building, in temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and stifling humidity. — USA Today, 30 July 2026 The utility company said surveillance footage suggested that a large truck dislodged the manhole cover by driving over it. — David K. Li, NBC news, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manhole

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhole was in 1769

Rhymes for manhole

See All Rhymes for manhole

Browse Nearby Words

manhead
manhole
manhood
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Cite this Entry

“Manhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhole. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

manhole

noun
man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: a covered hole (as in a pavement, tank, or boiler) through which a worker may go

More from Merriam-Webster on manhole

Nglish: Translation of manhole for Spanish Speakers

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