manhole

[man-hohl]

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.

manhole

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of manhole¹

First recorded in 1785–95; man + hole

Example Sentences

The death of a 10-year-old boy who fell down an open manhole at a construction site could have been avoided, a sheriff has determined.

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"It was just like there was a manhole cover over some unexplored areas and the manhole cover came off," he says.

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During the pandemic, I was able to access a Long Island landing station and stand directly above the manhole cover where the cables came from across the Atlantic.

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“He calls it the manhole. It’s like an iris but moving and vibrating in front of the lens when you’re deeply connecting with characters’ emotions.

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Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Stephen Limani told reporters that the hole is about the size of a city manhole cover.

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