Definition

A covered opening in the ground that allows access to underground utilities like sewers or drains.

Example

The workers lifted the manhole cover to check the pipes below.

Conversation

Did you see that manhole cover on the street?

Yeah, it looked really old and rusty.

I wonder how deep the manhole goes.

Probably leads to the sewer system; I wouldn't want to go down there!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Manhole → It is formed from "man" (from Old English "mann", meaning human or person) and "hole" (from Old English "hol", meaning an opening or hollow space). The word "manhole" refers to an opening in the ground that is designed for a person to enter, typically for maintenance purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'human' ('man') entering an 'opening' ('hole') in the ground — that's why a manhole is an opening for a person.

Visually Confused Words