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

Massive cypress trees and upland hardwood forests frame a landscape shaped by sinkholes and an extensive cave system—more than five miles mapped so far—that earned the park National Natural Landmark status. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Amtrak trains couldn’t run between Albany and the Berkshires for several months this year because of a six-foot-deep sinkhole. —The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025

X-raying the past The setting for this natural history drama is a deep limestone sinkhole in Hispaniola. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

The engineers’ report also mentioned a nearby event in the Delta, when a sinkhole developed on Twitchell Island, which is in the southern corner of Sacramento County, most of the way to Walnut Creek. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 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