pothole

noun

pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl How to pronounce pothole (audio)
Synonyms of potholenext
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 How to pronounce pothole (audio)
adjective

Examples of pothole 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.
The Reflecting Pool, the Smithsonian and prairie pothole wetland easements, in readers' eyes. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 For now comes the difficult task of forcing reluctant parties to adhere to a road map with many potential bumps and potholes along the way. — Mkhaimar Abusada, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 The thick scooter tires gave it confident handling and smoothed over bumps and potholes. — ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026 The top three ideas selected in Custom Made Casino's poll for a potential new Michigan state flag are Mackinac Island fudge, a pothole cone and an orange construction barrel, with Mackinac Island fudge as the top choice, the survey said. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pothole

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pothole was in 1826

Rhymes for pothole

See All Rhymes for pothole

Browse Nearby Words

pot holder
pothole
potholer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pothole

noun
pot·​hole ˈpät-ˌhōl How to pronounce pothole (audio)
: a deep round hole (as in a road)

More from Merriam-Webster on pothole

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pothole

Nglish: Translation of pothole for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pothole

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