sinkhole

American  

[singk-hohl] / ˈsɪŋkˌhoʊl /

noun

• sinkholes
  plural

1. a hole formed in soluble rock by the action of water, serving to conduct surface water to an underground passage.

2. Also called sink. a depressed area in which waste or drainage collects.

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sinkhole British  

/ ˈsɪŋkˌhəʊl /

noun

1. Also called (esp Brit): swallow hole. a depression in the ground surface, esp in limestone, where a surface stream disappears underground

2. a place into which foul matter runs

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sinkhole Scientific  

/ sĭngk′hōl′ /

1. A natural depression in a land surface formed by the dissolution and collapse of a cavern roof. Sinkholes are roughly funnel-shaped and on the order of tens of meters in size. They generally occur in limestone regions and are connected to subteranean passages.

2. Also called sink

3. See more at karst topography

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sinkholes
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of sinkhole

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at sink, hole

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Explanation

A sinkhole is a dent or dip in the ground that's caused by a collapsing surface. Most sinkholes result from erosion. Water is basically what causes sinkholes; certain kinds of rock naturally dissolve over time from being repeatedly saturated, and the result can be a depression or sunken spot in the ground. Some underground caverns and caves are the result of sinkholes. Human-caused collapses are often referred to as sinkholes too. These occur when unused mines collapse, or in urban environments where water or sewer pipes leak and cause concrete above them to crack and sink.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sinkhole sinkholes

Evacuation orders were issued for 31 Malibu homes due to a massive and expanding sinkhole in the driveway of Nicolas Cage’s property.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026

Malibu’s market has taken a hit because of growing environmental concerns, including coastal erosion and the opening of a sinkhole near Nicolas Cage’s home in September.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

They’re trying to come to grips with the new reality when they both fall into a sinkhole and wake up in Nakali.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

Fear is exactly what was struck in some Malibu residents since early Tuesday, when the sinkhole opened up in front of a beachside property owned by actor Nicolas Cage.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

A sinkhole that could swallow a herd of goats and still groan for more.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill

Whatever plot, or sinkholes may open in the larger narrative — I had more than a few “yes, but” reactions to elements of the story — “Carrie” does extremely well with person-to-person scenes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

People living in informal settlements built on mine waste dumps are falling ill and more "houses will crack and fall into sinkholes", he said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

The discovery of sinkholes near a railway bridge in south London has caused the suspension of train services on Sunday to Gatwick Airport and Brighton.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

In some tests, dye poured into sinkholes on the plateau traveled roughly 20 kilometers and appeared at springs in as little as a week.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 2, 2026

Poisonous smoke and sinkholes and boiling geysers and terrible dangers every which way.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill

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