sinkhole

noun sink·hole \ ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 2018

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 2

4 : something (such as an unprofitable investment) that steadily drains money or resources

a financial sinkhole

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Recent Examples of sinkhole from the Web

Crews have repaired the crumbling sewer pipes and a three-by-eight foot sinkhole near Ohio and Pennsylvania streets, Citizens Energy Group said Friday.

— vic ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, "Downtown sinkhole fixed, streets to reopen tonight," 13 July 2018
Texas is among seven states that are most susceptible to damage from sinkholes, the website states.

— julian gill, Houston Chronicle, "Sewage leaks likely a factor in Houston sinkholes, expert says," 10 July 2018
Well, a natural limestone sinkhole that is part of Montezuma Castle National Monument, before a passerby came to her aid.

— jeff truesdell, PEOPLE.com, "Woman Accused of Killing Her Boyfriend — Then Faking Her Own Kidnapping as Cover-Up," 25 June 2018
In Florida, the natural world is teeming with terrors: coral snakes, alligators, sinkholes, extreme and ferocious weather.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Florida, Full of Dread," 14 June 2018
At least one person is missing among the sinkholes, rapidly flowing water and collapsing buildings.

— aj willingham, CNN, "5 things for May 29: North Korea summit, extreme weather, Starbucks," 29 May 2018
The sinkhole, which is under the westbound lanes, must be repaired before crews reopen the road fully, according to WSDOT.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Sinkhole closes lane on Highway 2; WSDOT reveals best, worst travel times for Memorial Day weekend," 25 May 2018
Around the world, ramblers and cave explorers often stumble across new caverns, and sinkholes open up without warning on suburban streets.

— jake maxwell watts, WSJ, "What Lies Beneath? Vague Mapping Complicates Thai Cave Rescue," 8 July 2018
The sinkhole formed after a culvert under the road washed out due to heavy rains in the area, the Renville County Sheriff’s Office said.

— ryan gaydos, Fox News, "'Lucky' teen escapes unscathed after driving vehicle into sinkhole," 7 July 2018

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.

First Known Use of sinkhole

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

SINKHOLE Defined for English Language Learners

sinkhole

noun

Definition of sinkhole for English Language Learners

: a low area or hole in the ground that is formed especially when soil and rocks are removed by flowing water

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See words that rhyme with sinkhole Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sinkhole

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sinkhole

Definition of sinkhole

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SINKHOLE Defined for English Language Learners

sinkhole

Definition of sinkhole for English Language Learners

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