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

Surveillance video captured the dramatic moment a sinkhole opened up on a busy intersection in south-central Omaha, Nebraska, swallowing up two vehicles. —ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026

Karst environments form when soluble rock dissolves over time, creating networks of caves, sinkholes and underground waterways. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

Karst landscapes are known for their underground drainage systems, caves, and sinkholes — environments where unusual species can thrive in isolation, far from sunlight. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

Concern over the safety of Osaka’s waterworks systems grew after a massive sinkhole swallowed a truck and killed the driver last year. —Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 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