sinkhole

noun

sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
Synonyms of sinkholenext
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
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.
The front end of the van could be seen sliding into the sinkhole as water continued to gush from the ground. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Wild aerial footage showed a sinkhole that swallowed a van in Hollywood after a water main burst on Wednesday. — Laurie Perez, CBS News, 14 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 See All Example Sentences for sinkhole

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinkhole was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sinkhole

See All Rhymes for sinkhole

Browse Nearby Words

sinkhead
sinkhole
sink in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sinkhole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinkhole. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sinkhole

noun
sink·​hole ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl How to pronounce sinkhole (audio)
: a hollow place in which drainage collects

More from Merriam-Webster on sinkhole

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sinkhole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sinkhole

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