hole

  • noun 1 a hollow space in a solid object or surface. 2 an opening or gap in or passing through something. 3 a cavity on a golf course into which the ball is directed. 4 informal a small, awkward, or unpleasant place or situation.

  • verb 1 make a hole or holes in. 2 Golf hit (the ball) into a hole. 3 (hole up) informal hide oneself.

  — PHRASES hole-and-corner secret. hole-in-one (pl. holes-in-one) Golf a shot that enters the hole from the tee. make a hole in use a significant amount of.

  — DERIVATIVES holey adjective.

  — ORIGIN Old English.

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