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Definition of hole

hole

/hoʊl/
hole

Plural:holes
•
Adjective:holey
•
Past Simple:holed
•
Past Participle:holed
•
Present Participle:holing
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hole Lexical Profile

hole Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A hollow space, opening, or gap in a solid body or surface.

Example

"The mechanic had to patch a large hole in the tire before we could continue our road trip."


2

An underground burrow or natural shelter used by an animal.

Example

"The rabbit quickly retreated into its hole as the dog approached the field."


3

A difficult, awkward, or financially problematic situation.

Example

"His poor investments over the past decade have put him in a deep financial hole."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To hit a ball into a hole (especially in the sport of golf).

Example

"She holed the final putt from twenty feet away to win the regional championship."


2

To make a hole or holes in something.

Example

"The submerged rock holed the hull of the small sailing boat, causing it to take on water rapidly."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hole

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused in spelling with the homophone 'whole', which means complete or entire, whereas 'hole' refers to an opening, gap, or empty space.

• Rhymes for hole

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hol', meaning a hollow place, cave, or perforation, descended from Proto-Germanic '*hulan'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hole. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hole
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