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
Claims denied The couple blocked the sinkhole off with caution tape.
—
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
On the other side is the municipality of Juárez, pitted with the pools and sinkholes of coal mining.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
There are also many smaller Mayan sites as well as cenotes (sinkholes filled with freshwater that offer cool relief on hot days) nearby.
—John Newton, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Repairs continue on Tuesday morning on a sinkhole on I-96, as more lane and ramp closures are needed to bring in equipment for the work.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
On the other side is the municipality of Juárez, pitted with the pools and sinkholes of coal mining.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
There are also many smaller Mayan sites as well as cenotes (sinkholes filled with freshwater that offer cool relief on hot days) nearby.
—John Newton, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Repairs continue on Tuesday morning on a sinkhole on I-96, as more lane and ramp closures are needed to bring in equipment for the work.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
Cite this Entry
“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
: a hollow place in which drainage collects
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
