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 sinkhole probably began as a cave whose roof later caved in, the city said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Yet Kirk leveraged a version of the same toxic online dynamics and algorithmic-attention sinkholes that can ensnare people like Robinson. —Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2025

And yes, one or two more NewHomes had fallen into the ocean or into a sinkhole, just like OldHomes used to do. —Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Around a million years ago, a sinkhole opened, turning the Cedar Creek waterway into an underground river. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 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