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
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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
: a hollow place in which drainage collects
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share