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

In October, Cage secured four permits to repair the damage caused by the sinkhole. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Nicolas Cage has spoken out after a large sinkhole near his California home forced him to evacuate in September. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

At the time, authorities were investigating what caused the sinkhole to open up. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026

The findings come after a similar discovery last year in York, England, where a sinkhole in a city street exposed the remains of one of northern England's largest medieval hospitals. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 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