pothole

American  

[pot-hohl] / ˈpɒtˌhoʊl /

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.

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pothole British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of pothole

First recorded in 1820–30; pot ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar wrote last month on X that "10000+ potholes" had been identified, with half fixed so far.

From Barron's

He said he knew a lot about grass and potholes will be gone and marble will be polished.

From Salon

Insurance companies fix potholes and sponsor fire brigades to reduce claims.

From The Wall Street Journal

And things got worse for Davis when he stepped into a pothole and injured an ankle during a farcical spring training visit to Puerto Rico.

From Los Angeles Times

She pushed for Buxton to have a town council and for repairs to its many potholes - as Britain's highest market town, the weather often leaves its mark.

From BBC

Related Words

• crater