foxhole

[ foks-hohl ]

noun

1. a small pit, usually for one or two soldiers, dug as a shelter in a battle area.

foxhole

/ ˈfɒksˌhəʊl /

noun

1. military a small pit dug during an action to provide individual shelter against hostile fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of foxhole¹

First recorded in 1915–20; fox + hole

Example Sentences

Americans are entrenched in partisan foxholes of our own making, and the near-term prognosis for finding our way toward any middle ground appears bleak.

From Los Angeles Times

“You’re asking folks you may not know to jump into a foxhole with you in a battle that is already in full fury,” he said, which may argue for retaining much of Biden’s structure.

From Los Angeles Times

Facing an outcry after Avdiivka’s fall, Ukraine is rushing to build concrete-fortified trenches, foxholes, firing positions and other barricades on the front lines.

From Seattle Times

When two mortar rounds landed in his foxhole, Puckett suffered serious wounds to his feet, backside and left arm.

From Seattle Times

Puckett suffered serious wounds to his feet, backside and left arm after two mortar rounds landed in his foxhole.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dike
• gorge
• gully
• moat
• pit
• trough
• waterway