manhole

noun

man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: a hole through which one may go especially to gain access to an underground or enclosed structure

Examples of manhole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Issuing evacuation orders and canceling classes, the university later explained that the explosion occurred at a manhole. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Roughly an hour after the original alert, an explosion at a manhole sent green flames shooting out of the ground, according to video posted to social media. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025 This includes everything from a literal t-rex, to a manhole cover, to a giant slab of sirloin, a caterpillar, and even everyone’s old green pal, Yoshi. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 New York woman, children narrowly avoid manhole explosion A woman identified as a grandmother and her two grandchildren are shown narrowly avoiding a manhole explosion in Poughkeepsie. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manhole

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhole was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhole. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

manhole

noun
man·​hole ˈman-ˌhōl How to pronounce manhole (audio)
: a covered hole (as in a pavement, tank, or boiler) through which a worker may go

More from Merriam-Webster on manhole

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