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
In the last decade, a number of sinkholes have opened up in Japanese cities.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The cause of the sinkhole is also not clear, but officials are investigating whether underground pipes, recent weather or construction may have contributed.
—Anthony Trotter, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2025
Thousands of sinkholes in Pennsylvania The sinkhole where Pollard is believed to have fallen is in an area with limestone bedrock and had almost no ground left, state police said.
—Lex Harvey and Andy Rose, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
This massive thermokarst depression – a fancy term for a giant permafrost-thaw sinkhole – is growing at an astonishing rate of 35 million cubic feet each year.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024
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.
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The cause of the sinkhole is also not clear, but officials are investigating whether underground pipes, recent weather or construction may have contributed.
—Anthony Trotter, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2025
Thousands of sinkholes in Pennsylvania The sinkhole where Pollard is believed to have fallen is in an area with limestone bedrock and had almost no ground left, state police said.
—Lex Harvey and Andy Rose, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
This massive thermokarst depression – a fancy term for a giant permafrost-thaw sinkhole – is growing at an astonishing rate of 35 million cubic feet each year.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sinkhole
Dictionary Entries Near sinkhole
Cite this Entry
“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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
Share