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

Example Sentences

City crews were on the verge of welding a manhole cover shut in South Los Angeles Wednesday morning when a surprise discovery stopped them in their tracks.

From Los Angeles Times

An attempted theft of copper wire on Tuesday led to a predawn barricade situation — inside a city manhole — authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Build this house over the sewer line. There was a manhole cover in a garage. Plus, it wasn’t mapped.”

From Los Angeles Times

A sewage discharge from a manhole in Carson caused the closure, said L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

After getting out a few cans of spray paint, something drew him to the manhole cover in the street.

From The Wall Street Journal