posthole

American  

[pohst-hohl] / ˈpoʊstˌhoʊl /

noun

1. a hole dug in the earth for setting in the end of a post, as for a fence.

2. Archaeology. an excavated hole showing by its shape and by the remains of wood or other debris that it was once filled by a post.

---

Etymology

Origin of posthole

First recorded in 1695–1705; post ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

His grandfather could reach water with a posthole digger.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2021

The Swiss Army Gardener: A handy, foldable multi-tool combining a shovel, rake, hoe, hacksaw, pitchfork, pruning shears and posthole digger.

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2019

I pull on my ski boots, head uphill and welcome back winter one dumb posthole step at a time.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some libraries even lend gerbils and hamsters, as well as hedge trimmers and posthole diggers�a development that often upsets traditionalists.

From Time Magazine Archive

A posthole digger, shovels, a few bags of quick-set concrete, large buckets with lids, a role of fencing wire, pliers, and a couple of hammers were piled on the ground near the bushes.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby