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

It's like a mini Tuscany with a lot more potholes.

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The £10m programme will focus around upgrading and refurbishing four bridges around Junction 26, which have become riddled with potholes.

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Since becoming council leader in Lancashire in May, Atkinson says he has focused on the "huge financial challenges" facing his Reform UK administration, alongside bread-and-butter issues such as fixing potholes.

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

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

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Related Words

• crater