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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of pothole

First recorded in 1820–30; pot ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

A permanent transition away from gas taxes would be welcome, but Band-Aids don’t fix potholes.

From MarketWatch

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

We cruise over branches, rocks, and large potholes.

From Literature

Across East and West Sussex in the last month, there were more than 17,000 potholes reported - and social care takes up almost three-quarters of the councils' budgets.

From BBC

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

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• crater