sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bathtubs become sinkholes, beds explode with blood, and body bags whisper names. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 May 2025 It was located near Exit 37 of the highway in Rockaway, just a few miles away from the extensive sinkhole issues. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025 All the sewage lines were broken, there were power poles down, massive sinkholes with cars fallen in them. Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025 The Montebello sinkhole project began in November 2022 after the collapse of a large storm drain exposed the century-old infrastructure, including a 108-inch storm drain and an 84-inch water transmission main. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sinkhole

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinkhole was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sinkhole

noun
sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
: a hollow place in which drainage collects

More from Merriam-Webster on sinkhole

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