Definition

Noun: 1. A bin or compartment for holding coal: A coalhole is a storage container, typically a small compartment or bin, specifically designed to hold a supply of coal, often found in or near a building.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old house still has its original coalhole in the basement.
  • Please fetch more coal from the coalhole to fuel the furnace.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Architectural Context: The term often refers to a specific feature in older buildings, particularly those from the era when coal was a primary heating fuel. It could be a small cellar, a built-in bin, or a hatch in the pavement (sidewalk) for delivering coal directly into a basement storage area.
  • The Victorian terrace houses had pavement coalholes with decorative iron covers.

Variants and Related Words

• Coal bunker (n): A larger, often outdoor, storage container for coal.
  • They ordered a ton of coal for the coal bunker in the yard.
• Coal cellar (n): An underground room or space for storing coal.
  • The coal cellar was dark and dusty.

Synonyms

• Coal bin: A container for storing coal.
• Coal scuttle: A smaller, portable bucket for carrying coal, typically from the storage bin to the fireplace or stove. (Note: This is for transport, not bulk storage like a coalhole).

Related Phrases

• "Fill the coalhole": To replenish the supply of coal in the storage bin.
  • It's getting cold; we need to fill the coalhole.

Noun

1. a bin for holding coal