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.
And unlike sinkholes, which tend to open suddenly and can expand for hours or days, urban gullies continue to grow, expanding in length and width. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025 And finally… Several people made a lucky escape after a huge sinkhole opened in Bangkok. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 No deaths or injuries were reported due to the sinkhole, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 In March, a large sinkhole opened up in front of a motorcyclist traveling in the South Korean capital, Seoul. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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