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

Last month, powerful surf caused further beach erosion in Malibu, resulting in a large sinkhole at a beachfront home. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

That dream came to a screeching halt six years ago, when a sinkhole tore open that revealed an old mine lurking under Hideaway Hills -- forcing more than a dozen families to flee. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

The island also houses over 200 blue holes (the highest concentration of sinkholes and cave systems in the world) that demand exploration, both in its forests and offshore anchor points. — Joey Skladany, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Earlier this month, a tropical storm fueled heavy rains and strong surf across the Southland, damaging homes from south Orange County to Malibu, causing sinkholes, severe erosion and flooding. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 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