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
The 64-year-old had come from Oklahoma with his wife and son to walk up the 56 steps next to Sinking Spring, a sinkhole opening to a karst aquifer from which Lincoln first drank.
—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
In the 1890s, Henry Flagler’s crews leveled a massive burial mound to build his Royal Palm hotel across the river, selling skulls as souvenirs and dumping the rest of the human remains into a sinkhole, never since found.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Another expert — the state archaeologist — also will study the hole, likely this week, even as some remain skeptical of the sinkhole explanation.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
All things that have been alleged — vibrations from nearby construction, foundation failure, sinkholes and storm surge effects — have been ruled out as playing a part in the collapse.
—
Nbc South Florida,
NBC news,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sinkhole
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Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
In the 1890s, Henry Flagler’s crews leveled a massive burial mound to build his Royal Palm hotel across the river, selling skulls as souvenirs and dumping the rest of the human remains into a sinkhole, never since found.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Another expert — the state archaeologist — also will study the hole, likely this week, even as some remain skeptical of the sinkhole explanation.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
All things that have been alleged — vibrations from nearby construction, foundation failure, sinkholes and storm surge effects — have been ruled out as playing a part in the collapse.
—
Nbc South Florida,
NBC news,
23 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
: a hollow place in which drainage collects
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