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
Though stratigraphic inversions have been detected in layers of rock in the past, they haven’t been detected at this scale or size, as there are hundreds of North Sea sinkholes that measure around a kilometer (over half a mile) across or more.
—
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2025
Another reason for the school’s closure was the discovery in 2019 of sinkholes caused by a deteriorated storm drain system on the property.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Start the day on Cancun's powder-fine sands and end it with a plunge in a crystal-clear cenote, one of the region's countless sinkholes surrounded by lush forests.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Interstate 80 in New Jersey is set to be partially reopened after a series of sinkholes forced long-term closures and major disruptions.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
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Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2025
Another reason for the school’s closure was the discovery in 2019 of sinkholes caused by a deteriorated storm drain system on the property.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025
Start the day on Cancun's powder-fine sands and end it with a plunge in a crystal-clear cenote, one of the region's countless sinkholes surrounded by lush forests.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Interstate 80 in New Jersey is set to be partially reopened after a series of sinkholes forced long-term closures and major disruptions.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 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 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
: a hollow place in which drainage collects
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