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

On Thursday morning, a massive sinkhole opened up on a West Hollywood sidewalk near Sunset Boulevard after the streets became flooded. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026

Photos show damage from West Hollywood sinkhole Images and videos from the West Hollywood area show the impacts from the pipe burst, including a massive sinkhole near the Sunset Strip. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 July 2026

From some giant prehistoric sloths that fell into a sinkhole 500,000 years ago to extinct elephants to today’s massive invasive pythons, Florida has always been a biological playground. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 July 2026

The water main break also caused significant damage to Headland Drive, including a sinkhole that has rendered the roadway unsafe. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 12 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