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

To Sua Ocean Trench, an enormous sinkhole turned cerulean swimming hole reached via rung-ladder, is less than two miles from the resort. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2024

Where peers moved through quicksand at the end of races, hamstrung by their physiology, Sydney outmaneuvered each sinkhole. —Peter Rubin, Longreads, 8 Aug. 2024

Surveillance video from the City of Alton shows the moment the sinkhole opens and swallows a light pole on the field in a cloud of dust. —Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 27 June 2024

Trash and other materials get dumped into sinkholes and pits, leading to pollution seeping into groundwater. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl 

: a hollow place in which drainage collects