How Do You Spell FOXHOLE?

Pronunciation: [fˈɒkshə͡ʊl] (IPA)

The word "foxhole" is spelled [fɑks-hohl] in IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the combination of two words, "fox" and "hole". A foxhole is a small hole or pit dug by soldiers to provide protection from enemy fire during a battle. The spelling of the word accurately reflects its pronunciation, with the "x" representing the "ks" sound and "ho" being pronounced with a long "o" sound. This term is often used in reference to military strategy and tactics.

FOXHOLE Meaning and Definition

  1. A foxhole is a noun that refers to a small, shallow pit or trench dug for protection or shelter during combat or warfare. It is typically created by soldiers or military personnel in order to take cover from enemy fire and find refuge during intense battles. The term "foxhole" originated from the concept of individuals imitating the behavior of a small, secretive animal like the fox, which tends to dig burrows to hide or escape from predators.

    These protective underground structures are strategically designed to provide soldiers with a tactical advantage by shielding them from bullets, shrapnel, or explosions. Foxholes often serve as temporary defensive positions allowing soldiers to observe and engage in combat while minimizing their exposure to direct enemy fire. Soldiers can remain concealed and are able to peek out over the rim to survey the battlefield or engage with their firearms.

    Foxholes vary in size, but are typically approximately six feet deep and wide enough to accommodate one or two soldiers. They are hastily dug and can be in various shapes depending on the terrain and the specific needs of the soldiers. Foxholes are commonly constructed in a line or a zigzag pattern to allow for quick movement between them. Furthermore, foxholes can be interconnected with other defensive positions, trenches, or bunkers, forming a complex network of fortifications.

    Overall, foxholes serve as an essential aspect of wartime tactics and have played a significant role throughout history in protecting soldiers during combat operations.

Common Misspellings for FOXHOLE

Etymology of FOXHOLE

The word "foxhole" has a military origin and refers to a small, hastily dug hole or trench used by soldiers as a defensive position during combat. The etymology of "foxhole" can be traced back to the early 20th century.

The word itself is a compound noun, combining "fox" and "hole". The term originated during World War I, specifically on the Western Front, where soldiers would dig shallow holes for protection against enemy fire. The analogy to a fox's burrow, which provides shelter for the animal during danger, helped coin the term "foxhole" to describe this improvised defensive position for soldiers.

The trenches and dugouts that soldiers occupied during World War I were often called "foxholes" due to their similarity to the hiding places of foxes in nature.

Similar spelling words for FOXHOLE

Plural form of FOXHOLE is FOXHOLES

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