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

Stormwater concerns Inadequate funding over the years has resulted in limited coverage areas and slow response for problems that arise in the city, like flooding problems, sinkhole repairs, clearing of pipes and inlets, and permit compliance. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Officials said the break caused a sinkhole, forcing crews to shut off water in the area while repairs are made. — Ashley Paul, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

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

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