pothole

American  

[pot-hohl] / ˈpɒtˌhoʊl /

noun

1. a deep hole; pit.

2. a hole formed in pavement, as by excessive use or by extremes of weather.

3. a more or less cylindrical hole formed in rock by the grinding action of the detrital material in eddying water.

4. a cave opening vertically from the ground surface.

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pothole British  

/ ˈpɒtˌhəʊl /

noun

1. geography

   1. a deep hole in limestone areas resulting from action by running water See also sinkhole

   2. a circular hole in the bed of a river produced by abrasion

2. a deep hole, esp one produced in a road surface by wear or weathering

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Etymology

Origin of pothole

First recorded in 1820–30; pot ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

Rather than doomscrolling your way around this economic pothole, spare a thought for the good people of California who face gas prices of $5 or $6 a gallon, traditionally the highest in the country.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

One New York City mechanic is raking in $2,200 a night, off a single pothole.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Sharon Williams, 41, from Llanelli, was walking home in December when she did not see the pothole, causing her to fall face first and hit her head.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

A woman who ended up in hospital after tripping on a "dangerous" pothole says she is concerned for the safety of other road users.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

I knew every house, every tree and shrub, every pothole in the road.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg

Related Words

• crater