1
a
: a circular hole formed in the rocky bed of a river by the grinding action of stones or gravel whirled round by the water
b
: a sizable rounded often water-filled depression in land
2
: a pot-shaped hole in a road surface
3
: a usually minor difficulty or setback
hit a pothole in her comeback attempt
Examples of pothole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bengals worth 'driving over 1,000 potholes' Multiple commenters stressed the importance of keeping the Bengals in Cincinnati.
—
Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
Gravel and sheets of metal have piled in the parking lot alongside potholes, tall grass, weeds and erosion.
—Taylor O’Connor 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
This summer is about dodging financial potholes and enduring screensaver-worthy traffic.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said work crews will complete a full replacement of the bridge expansion joints at mile marker 135.6 to improve safety, also helping to prevent potholes and reduce future maintenance closures.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
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Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
Gravel and sheets of metal have piled in the parking lot alongside potholes, tall grass, weeds and erosion.
—Taylor O’Connor 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
This summer is about dodging financial potholes and enduring screensaver-worthy traffic.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said work crews will complete a full replacement of the bridge expansion joints at mile marker 135.6 to improve safety, also helping to prevent potholes and reduce future maintenance closures.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pothole
Cite this Entry
“Pothole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pothole. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pothole
noun
pot·hole
ˈpät-ˌhōl 
: a deep round hole (as in a road)
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