water hole

a depression in the surface of the ground, containing water.

a source of drinking water, as a spring or well in the desert.

a pond; pool.

a cavity containing water in the dry bed of a river.

a hole in the frozen surface of a lake, pond, stream, etc.

Origin of water hole

First recorded in 1645–55

Water from the water-hole he dipped up with a leaf cup and mixed with the flour, baking it on the bark over the fire.

Jean, Our Little Australian Cousin |Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
Also, he had an engagement which he must keep shortly, down by the water-hole off the hospital.

The God of His Fathers |Jack London
He could have found the water-hole blindfolded merely by following the stream.

Voyage To Eternity |Milton Lesser
The third day, Temple arrived with the sun, sat as before in the tall grass between the pit and the water-hole and waited.

Voyage To Eternity |Milton Lesser

Presbrey spoke again, at which she pointed down the valley, and then moved on with her pony toward the water-hole.

The Rainbow Trail |Zane Grey

water hole

a depression, such as a pond or pool, containing water, esp one used by animals as a drinking place

a source of drinking water in a desert