sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
1
: a hollow place or depression in which drainage collects
2
: a hollow in a limestone region that communicates with a cavern or passage
3
4
: something (such as an unprofitable investment) that steadily drains money or resources
a financial sinkhole

Examples of sinkhole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Search For Pollard Pollard's car was found parked roughly 20 feet from the sinkhole, police said. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 About 15 to 20 feet from Pollard’s car, authorities found the sinkhole. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024 State troopers found a sinkhole in the area near the car that was nearly the size of a manhole cover, according to KDKA. James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 Since the first giant collapse, more sinkholes have appeared. Associated Press, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sinkhole 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinkhole was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sinkhole

Cite this Entry

“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sinkhole

noun
sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
: a hollow place in which drainage collects

More from Merriam-Webster on sinkhole

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