What does hole mean?
A hole is an opening, gap, or cavity formed in a surface, object, or other material. The word can describe a literal space, such as a hole in a wall or the ground, and also metaphorical gaps, such as a hole in a plan, a missing figure in a budget, or an opportunity in a market. In this sense, it can imply incompleteness, absence, or weakness. As a verb, “hole” means to make an opening, to place something into an opening, or, in golf, to complete a hole with a single stroke. Everyday expressions such as “a hole in the wall,” “rabbit hole,” and “black hole” show how widely the idea of an opening or depth extends in English. The word is straightforward in meaning but unusually versatile across physical, commercial, sporting, and figurative contexts.
An opening, gap, or cavity in a surface, object, or material; also, a missing or defective part in something otherwise complete.
"There was a hole in the roof that allowed the rain inside."
In figurative uses, the word commonly suggests absence, incompleteness, or an exploitable weakness.
To make an opening in something, place something into an opening, or complete a golf hole in one stroke.
"The mechanic holed the panel to make room for the new fitting."
The verb is especially natural in golf and in informal descriptions of making or placing holes.
The usual plural of the noun is “holes.”
"The old wall was covered with holes and cracks."
From an Old English word meaning an empty space, “hole” has described openings, gaps, and absences for more than a thousand years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hole come from?
The English word derives from Old English hol, meaning an opening, cavity, or hollow place. It belongs to a Germanic family of related forms, including Old Norse hol and modern Dutch hol, and developed into the modern form through ordinary English sound and spelling changes. The adjective “hollow” comes from the same Old English root, while the related verb “hollow” reflects the older sense of making or becoming empty.
Related word forms
How hole is actually used
As a verb, “hole” is most common in informal or sports-related usage. The expression “hole up” means to hide or stay in one place, and “hole in one” refers to a golf shot that reaches the target in a single stroke.
Easily confused with hole
A hole is an opening or cavity, whereas a whole is an entire or complete thing.