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

The Nampa Police Department warned drivers of delays along Orchard Avenue and Caldwell Boulevard on Tuesday after a sinkhole developed at the intersection of the two streets. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025

Interstate 80 has fully reopened through New Jersey after months of repairs and delays due to sinkholes. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025

Archaeologists were called to a sinkhole to investigate its contents after contractors worked to secure the area along the road, officials said in a June 9 release from the City of York Council. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025

After a sinkhole takes over the town's busiest intersection, Marty and his ex, Karen Gillan's nurse Felicia Gordon, can't help but reconnect (she's noticed the strange ads, too). —Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 6 June 2025

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