sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl 

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

: sink sense 2

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

In what ways can email and other electronic tools become productivity sinkholes? —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

The Gray Fossil Site was once an ancient sinkhole lake surrounded by a dense forest of hickory, oak and pine trees, scientists say. —Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2025

But sinkholes in Britain are usually small and tend to occur in rural locations. —Jenny Gross, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Residents of a Surrey neighborhood have been evacuated from their homes after a large sinkhole opened up in the English village. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sinkhole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl 

: a hollow place in which drainage collects