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

Cenotes are freshwater sinkhole caves formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock. —Ryan Brennan april 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

This landscape is the quintessential Ozarks, with rolling hills and karst topography that forms caves, sinkholes, and springs in the bedrock. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

Nine months later, Kinser’s remains were found in a sinkhole with a bullet hole in his skull, according to court documents. —Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026

Floodwater carries bones in through sinkholes over thousands of years. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 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