glory hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Domain-specific (mining, nautical, printing); Highly informal/slang (modern sexual connotation).
Quick answer
What does “glory hole” mean?
A small, usually roughly made opening in a wall or partition, historically used for passing objects between areas while maintaining privacy or separation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, usually roughly made opening in a wall or partition, historically used for passing objects between areas while maintaining privacy or separation.
In various specific domains: 1) Mining: an irregular, unsupported, often large cavity in a mine. 2) Nautical: a general-purpose storage space on a ship. 3) Printmaking: a device for stacking and damping paper. 4) (Modern, strong slang) A hole in a partition in a public restroom or other space, used for anonymous sexual activity. This is the most widely known modern meaning, often considered vulgar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The technical meanings (mining, nautical) are understood in both varieties. The modern slang meaning is common and carries identical vulgar connotations in both. There is no significant difference in usage patterns.
Connotations
Overwhelmingly associated with the vulgar slang meaning in contemporary informal contexts. The technical uses are obscure to non-specialists.
Frequency
The term is very low-frequency in its technical senses, used only within specific trades. The slang meaning is well-known but belongs to a highly restricted, taboo register.
Grammar
How to Use “glory hole” in a Sentence
There is a glory hole in [LOCATION].The miners discovered an unsafe glory hole.The ship's glory hole was full of spare rope.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glory hole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb.)
American English
- (Not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unacceptable. Highly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Academic
Only in very specific historical or technical papers (e.g., mining history, printmaking studies). Must be clearly defined.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used with its strong sexual/vulgar slang meaning. Not for polite conversation.
Technical
Acceptable only within the jargon of specific fields (mining, sailing, printmaking) where it has a precise, non-sexual meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glory hole”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glory hole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glory hole”
- Using it in general conversation without realizing its primary vulgar meaning.
- Assuming it is an innocent or humorous term.
- Trying to use it as a synonym for a 'glorious achievement' or 'wonderful place'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not. This is a dangerous misunderstanding. The term has no positive connotation related to luck or success in modern English.
Yes, but only within the mining industry and related historical/engineering fields. In general conversation, the other meaning is far more prevalent.
Because its most widely known meaning refers to a practice associated with public sex and high-risk behaviour. It carries strong taboo and vulgar connotations, making it inappropriate for almost all social and professional situations.
In that context, it almost certainly refers to a small, general storage space or locker on the ship, often messy or for infrequently used items.
A small, usually roughly made opening in a wall or partition, historically used for passing objects between areas while maintaining privacy or separation.
Glory hole is usually domain-specific (mining, nautical, printing); highly informal/slang (modern sexual connotation). in register.
Glory hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɔːri ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɔri ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None. The term itself is literal.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WARNING: This term is a 'false friend'. Think 'Glory Hole' = 'Gaping Hole' (in a wall, with a notorious modern connotation). For the nautical sense: a ship's 'glory hole' is where you 'store the story' of spare parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (for objects, in technical uses) / ACCESS POINT (for anonymous interaction, in slang).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts might the term 'glory hole' be used in a completely non-sexual, technical sense?