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 area is home to massive karst formations like the Wulong Three Bridges, the largest natural stone arches in Asia, as well as the Xiaozhai Heavenly Pit, the world’s largest sinkhole. —Joe Wilkins Published Jan 8, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026

Massive cypress trees and upland hardwood forests frame a landscape shaped by sinkholes and an extensive cave system—more than five miles mapped so far—that earned the park National Natural Landmark status. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Amtrak trains couldn’t run between Albany and the Berkshires for several months this year because of a six-foot-deep sinkhole. —The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025

X-raying the past The setting for this natural history drama is a deep limestone sinkhole in Hispaniola. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 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