Word
Definition
n. a round opening in the ground that leads to a tunnel or pipe. It is usually covered by a heavy metal plate so people can walk or drive over it safely.
n. a round opening in the ground, typically covered by a heavy metal plate, providing access to underground utility tunnels or sewers.
Examples
“The workers are fixing the broken manhole cover.”
“The city workers had to close the street because they were repairing a damaged manhole in the middle of the road.”
“During the heavy storm, the manhole cover was blown across the intersection, creating a significant hazard for both pedestrians and emergency vehicles attempting to navigate the flooded area.”
Examples
simple
“The workers are fixing the broken manhole cover.”
contextual
“The city workers had to close the street because they were repairing a damaged manhole in the middle of the road.”
complex
“During the heavy storm, the manhole cover was blown across the intersection, creating a significant hazard for both pedestrians and emergency vehicles attempting to navigate the flooded area.”
Real-World Examples
“The same month, the NYPD said it was investigating three people wearing overalls and headlamps seen climbing out of a manhole near Penn Station.” Etymology
From man + hole.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/manhole
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0