hole

hole · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A hollow space or opening in a solid object or surface.

  2. 2.

    An aperture passing through something.

  3. 3.

    A burrow where an animal lives.

  4. 4.

    An awkward situation or position.

  5. 5.

    A small, dingy, or unpleasant place.

  6. 6.

    In golf, a section of a golf course or the cup into which the ball is played.

  7. 7.

    To make a hole or holes in something.

Forms

plural: holes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in the hole — in debt
  • •
    hole in one — a golf shot that goes directly into the hole
  • •
    hole up — hide; take shelter
  • •
    burn a hole in one's pocket — money that one is eager to spend
  • •
    pick holes in — find faults or weaknesses
  • •
    need something like a hole in the head — not need at all

Related words

Antonyms: solid, whole
See also: gap, hollow, opening, pit
Synonyms: cavity, gap, opening, pit

Etymology

From Old English "hol" (orifice, hollow place), from Proto-Germanic "hulą" (hollow, cavity), from Proto-Indo-European "ḱowH-lo-" (hollow). Related to "hollow" and cognate with German "Höhle" (cave).