sinkhole
noun
sink·hole
| \ ˈsiŋk-ˌhōl
\
\
Definition of sinkhole
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
According to public works officials, restoring Light Rail service is expected to be the last step in the process of fixing the hole in the street where the sinkhole formed. — Oyin Adedoyin, baltimoresun.com, "What’s the fastest way to get to BWI? We sent four reporters by car, Light Rail, bus and Lyft to find out.," 5 Aug. 2019 The giant fissure in the middle of the highway turned into multiple large cracks that have now formed a giant sinkhole, Rollison said. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "CDOT plans to reopen eastbound U.S. 36 by Wednesday morning’s rush hour," 15 July 2019 The boring equipment suddenly drilled through into an underground cavern, and a deep sinkhole formed. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Turkmenistan Dictator Goes Off-Roading Near Fiery 'Door to Hell' (To Prove He's Not Dead)," 9 Aug. 2019 At least two sinkholes have been reported on that campus. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "On the agenda, July 28," 28 July 2019 In June of 2015 a Sheridan police officer was injured when his patrol car was swallowed by a sinkhole. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Downpour in Sheridan opens up sinkhole, floods Oxford Avenue at Santa Fe," 1 July 2019 Teams of volunteer rock climbers, even famed bird-nest collectors of Libong Island, had scoured the mountain's deep sinkholes looking for an alternative route to the boys. — National Geographic, "The untold story of the daring cave divers who saved the Thai soccer team," 4 Mar. 2019 The sinkhole is located on the Exit 22 ramp on the eastbound side of Interstate 90, State Police tweeted at 10:54 a.m. Friday. — Maria Lovato, BostonGlobe.com, "State crews working to repair sinkhole in Prudential Tunnel," 26 July 2019 The sinkhole was discovered in May when an employee at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building G on the Sanford campus, noticed cracks in some internal walls. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "Seminole State sinkhole can’t sink concerts, art or theater season," 24 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sinkhole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for sinkhole
sinkhole
noun
English Language Learners Definition of sinkhole
: a low area or hole in the ground that is formed especially when soil and rocks are removed by flowing water
See the full definition for sinkhole in the English Language Learners Dictionary