noun
sinkhole
SIHNGK-hohl
Sinkhole (noun) means a hole in the ground formed when water dissolves underlying rock, causing the surface to collapse. Example: “A sinkhole swallowed part of the road overnight.”
noun
1
A hole in the ground formed when water dissolves underlying rock, causing the surface to collapse.
"A sinkhole swallowed part of the road overnight."
"Several people had to be rescued after two vehicles fell into this sinkhole in Chatsworth on January 10."
— , California’s flooding, in pictures (2023)
How to use sinkhole
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hole or depression that opens up in the ground, often suddenly, where soluble rock has eroded away underneath.
Common pairings
sinkhole opens up
giant sinkhole
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Word forms
- Plural
- sinkholes
- Third person singular
- sinkholes
- Past tense
- sinkholed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ swallowed part of the road overnight.
Etymology
From sink plus hole.
Synonyms
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sink
swallow hole
Related words
Rhymes for sinkhole
See all rhymes for sinkhole →Frequently asked questions
What does “sinkhole” mean?
The word “sinkhole” means a hole in the ground formed when water dissolves underlying rock, causing the surface to collapse. In plain terms, a hole or depression that opens up in the ground, often suddenly, where soluble rock has eroded away underneath.
How do you pronounce “sinkhole”?
“Sinkhole” is pronounced SIHNGK-hohl (/ˈsɪŋkˌhoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “sinkhole” in a sentence?
Here is “sinkhole” used in a sentence: “A sinkhole swallowed part of the road overnight.”
What part of speech is “sinkhole”?
“Sinkhole” is a noun.
