sinkhole

noun

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sink·hole | \ ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl

Definition of sinkhole

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 Even a federal agency that works on historic site preservation issues has pulled out of the environmental study process, saying the plan as published will not prevent the site from becoming a giant sinkhole. — Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, "Bikers, bands and barristers: Oak Flat copper mine plan draws a wide range of opponents," 7 Mar. 2021 The country desperately needs foreign currency, but international donors want major anti-corruption reforms first — lest the funds disappear into a notorious state sector sinkhole that has brought the nation to the brink of bankruptcy. — Bassem Mroue, chicagotribune.com, "Anger in Lebanon as currency, prices spiral out of control: ‘The ruling class must go’," 4 Mar. 2021 The extraordinary area was created by a giant underwater sinkhole that extends 407 feet deep. — Michelle Stansbury, Marie Claire, "The Instagram Guide to Cayo Espanto," 23 Feb. 2021 This is not the first sinkhole to appear in Chefornak in recent years. — Author: Greg Kim, Anchorage Daily News, "‘Sinkhole’ in Southwest Alaska village linked to thawing permafrost forces family to evacuate their home," 27 Jan. 2021 When the sinkhole under Abraham’s home was discovered, her family became homeless. — Author: Greg Kim, Anchorage Daily News, "‘Sinkhole’ in Southwest Alaska village linked to thawing permafrost forces family to evacuate their home," 27 Jan. 2021 Archaeologists in Boston have solved the mystery of a sinkhole that opened up in one of the city’s parks. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Boston sinkhole mystery solved," 16 Dec. 2020 In 2018, The Drive reported on the bunker following the development of a sinkhole in the White House lawn. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "What We Know About the White House's Secret Bunker," 1 June 2020 Eventually, as the mine is excavated, Oak Flat would turn into a sinkhole. — Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, "Apache group sues to stop Oak Flat land swap, site of a planned copper mine," 13 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sinkhole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.