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
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
The runway was previously closed after a sinkhole formed around the Memorial Day travel rush.
—
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
The cause of that sinkhole remains under investigation.
—Katie Houlis, CBS News, 17 June 2026
By noon, the massive sinkhole had grown to swallow Owens’ home of 40 years, along with a chunk of a city swimming pool and portions of nearby streets.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
In late May, a runway at New York City's LaGuardia Airport was shut down for several days due to a sinkhole.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
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.
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
The cause of that sinkhole remains under investigation.
—Katie Houlis, CBS News, 17 June 2026
By noon, the massive sinkhole had grown to swallow Owens’ home of 40 years, along with a chunk of a city swimming pool and portions of nearby streets.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
In late May, a runway at New York City's LaGuardia Airport was shut down for several days due to a sinkhole.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
Cite this Entry
“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
: a hollow place in which drainage collects
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
