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

Explanation

A pothole is a hole or little pit in a road. Drivers complain about potholes frequently. If you've ever felt a little bump while in a car, you probably hit a pothole: a little hole in the street caused by wear and tear. Newly paved roads are smooth and have no potholes, but potholes develop over time. Drivers hate potholes because the little bump is startling, and a big pothole could actually damage a car. Eventually, potholes are usually filled in when a road gets paved. Potholes are also called chuckholes.

Example Sentences

The Waze navigation app will also use the data to warn users as they approach a pothole, the company said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Waze and Waymo are teaming up to help combat Los Angeles’ growing pothole problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

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

In the pothole, up to his ears in the water, stood Little Arliss.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson

Related Words

• crater