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

This is consistent with the idea that solitary (and aggressively hormonal) males were more likely to die in natural traps, such as landslides or sinkholes, increasing the chance that their bones would be preserved over thousands of years. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

The break left a giant sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard and sent about 17 million gallons of water into surrounding neighborhoods, shuttering businesses, and flooding homes and underground parking. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Large sinkholes in nature have traditionally been viewed as a win for biodiversity, protecting plants that would be exposed to environmental stress above ground. — New Atlas, 24 July 2026

When the boat leaves the shallow saw grass marshes for a 90-foot-deep natural sinkhole called Gator Lake, get your camera ready. — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026

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