glory hole

American  

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. the quarters on a ship that are occupied by the stewards or stokers.

   2. lazaretto.

   3. any locker or enclosed space for loose gear.

2. Glassmaking. an auxiliary furnace for reheating glass that has cooled during offhand blowing.

3. Mining. drawhole.

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glory hole British  

noun

1. informal a room, cupboard, or other storage space that contains an untidy and miscellaneous collection of objects

2. nautical another term for lazaretto

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Usage

What else does glory hole mean? A glory hole is sexual slang for a slot in a wall in which a man inserts his penis for sexual stimulation by someone on the other side. Content warning: the following content includes references to sexual activity.

Etymology

Origin of glory hole

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Officials urge spectators and lake recreaters to be careful and not get close to the glory hole.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

The Monte Cristo mining property comprised a tunnel in the hill, a glory hole, a little toy quartz-mill—five stamps strong—the bunk-house, kitchen, blacksmith-shop, stable, corral, and four human beings.

From The Furnace of Gold by Marchand, J. N.