blind hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Engineering
Quick answer
What does “blind hole” mean?
A hole that does not pass completely through a material, stopping at a certain depth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hole that does not pass completely through a material, stopping at a certain depth.
In a technical context, it refers to a bore, cavity, or recess with a closed bottom. In metaphorical use, it can describe a situation where progress is stopped or an approach leads to no outlet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US patterns (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in related dimensional descriptions).
Connotations
Neutral technical descriptor in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “blind hole” in a Sentence
[verb] + blind hole (drill, machine, tap)blind hole + [preposition] + [noun] (for a fastener, in the plate, of 10mm)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blind hole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The drawing specified a blind-hole feature.
- We need a blind-hole depth of 20 millimetres.
American English
- The blueprint called for a blind-hole pattern.
- We need a blind-hole depth of 0.75 inches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement discussions for machined parts: 'The design requires three blind holes for the mounting screws.'
Academic
Used in engineering and materials science papers describing component fabrication.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be used in advanced DIY contexts (e.g., woodworking, metalworking).
Technical
Core usage. Common in mechanical drawings, CNC programming, and workshop instructions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blind hole”
- Using 'blind hole' to mean a hole that is difficult to see (should be 'hidden hole').
- Confusing 'blind hole' with 'pilot hole' (a starter hole).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a deliberate design feature, often used to house a fastener or component without having a hole visible on the opposite side.
Yes, a very common application is a 'tapped blind hole' where internal threads are cut to accept a bolt or screw.
Typically a drill bit, often followed by a tapping tool if threads are needed. End mills can also be used in milling operations.
A 'through hole' or 'clearance hole,' which passes entirely through the material.
A hole that does not pass completely through a material, stopping at a certain depth.
Blind hole is usually technical, engineering in register.
Blind hole: in British English it is pronounced /blaɪnd həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /blaɪnd hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hole that is 'blind' because it cannot 'see' through to the other side of the material.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DEAD END IS A BLIND HOLE (e.g., 'That line of investigation turned out to be a blind hole.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a blind hole?