manhole

American  

[man-hohl] / ˈmænˌhoʊl /

noun

1. a hole, usually with a cover, through which a person may enter a sewer, drain, steam boiler, etc., especially one located in a city street.

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manhole British  

/ ˈmænˌhəʊl /

noun

1. Also called: inspection chamber.  a shaft with a removable cover that leads down to a sewer or drain

2. a hole, usually with a detachable cover, through which a man can enter a boiler, tank, etc

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Etymology

Origin of manhole

First recorded in 1785–95; man + hole

Example Sentences

“Build this house over the sewer line. There was a manhole cover in a garage. Plus, it wasn’t mapped.”

From Los Angeles Times

A sewage discharge from a manhole in Carson caused the closure, said L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

After getting out a few cans of spray paint, something drew him to the manhole cover in the street.

From The Wall Street Journal

The metal tubes lining manholes popped out of the pavement as the ground around them sank and settled.

From Literature

Other names and products are plunked before us with the subtlety of a manhole cover dropped from a great height.

From Salon