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

Ripley also offers a combo ticket that includes the golf plus the nearby Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum (the sinkhole building) and the adjacent Ripley Mirror Maze attraction. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

As a precaution, the Dallas Running Club is looking into rerouting its April race, the Tal Morrison Half Marathon, due to the sinkhole, said Michael Baker, the club’s president-elect. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

In 2016, an enormous sinkhole appeared on a five-lane street in Hakata, Japan. —CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

The unique geology of Mexico's Yucatán has left the jungles surrounding Tulum studded with cenotes, sinkholes filled with spectacularly still, crystalline waters. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

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