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

Explanation

A manhole is an opening in a street or sidewalk that gives workers access to underground pipes, drains, power lines, and cables. A manhole usually has a heavy metal cover — which can go shooting up in the air in the case of an underground explosion. Steer clear of smoking manholes! Inside a manhole, there are steps or a ladder leading down to the space underneath the street. Utility workers need access to this underground area to make repairs or updates to services. From above, a manhole simply looks like a metal circle in the pavement. The word manhole (which sounds a little dated, since plenty of utility workers are women) was coined in the late 18th century.

Example Sentences

Last week, police received reports of several unidentified individuals removing manhole covers and entering the sewer system.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

In one video, several men are seen removing a manhole cover and then descending into the sewer before re-emerging hours later.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

“We are reviewing the details, and while this is a rare occurrence, manhole covers can get displaced by heavy vehicles. Our thoughts remain with her family, and safety remains our top priority,” the spokesperson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The 56-year-old woman was found unresponsive and unconscious inside an uncovered manhole around 11:20 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

We climb down the manhole cover that DD led us through and run back to Bertha.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas