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 addition to putting that sinkhole into her property, Helene put three full feet of water up into her house. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025

Researchers suspect that there are other fossils in the sinkhole, one of only two Middle Irvingtonian sites in all of Florida. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2025

The road is still open to pedestrians, who can bypass the sinkhole via the dirt path next to the road. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

The outlet states that heavy machinery may be needed to stabilize the site as rescue efforts continue for the man trapped inside the sinkhole. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 31 Jan. 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