VocabDictionary

hole

/hoʊl/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A hollow place in a solid body or surface; an opening, gap, or perforation.

Example Sentences:
  • There is a large hole in the fence where the dog escaped.
  • She dug a hole in the garden to plant the rose bush.
2.verb

To make a hole in something; to go into or hide in a hole.

Example Sentences:
  • The ship was holed below the waterline by the iceberg.
  • The rabbit holed up in its burrow as the fox approached.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “hole”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'hol', meaning a cave, hollow, or perforation. It shares a common Germanic root with the word 'hollow' and is related to the Old Norse 'hol' and Old High German 'hol', all stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root '*kel-', meaning to cover, conceal, or save, which also gave rise to 'hall' and 'hell'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'hole' as a 'whole' lot of nothing.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “hole

1. What is the meaning of “hole” in English?

In English, hole (noun) is defined as: “A hollow place in a solid body or surface; an opening, gap, or perforation.”.

2. How do you use “hole” in a sentence?

There is a large hole in the fence where the dog escaped.

3. What are English synonyms of “hole”?

Common synonyms include:aperture,cavity,opening,perforation,gap

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “hole”?

Derived from the Old English 'hol', meaning a cave, hollow, or perforation. It shares a common Germanic root with the word 'hollow' and is related to the Old Norse 'hol' and Old High German 'hol', all stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root '*kel-', meaning to cover, conceal, or save, which also gave rise to 'hall' and 'hell'.