sinkhole
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɪŋkˌhoʊɫ// UK //sˈɪŋkhəʊl// sink·hole
n. a large hole in the ground that suddenly appears. It is usually caused by water washing away the soil or rock underneath the surface.
n. a depression or hole in the ground surface, typically caused by the collapse of the surface layer or the dissolution of underlying soluble rock.
A large sinkhole opened up in the middle of the street.
Heavy rains over several weeks weakened the limestone bedrock, eventually causing a massive sinkhole to swallow the old farmhouse.
Geologists monitor the region for signs of subsidence, as the porous limestone is highly susceptible to the formation of a sinkhole following a prolonged period of drought followed by intense rainfall.
From Middle English sinkehole, sinkeholl, equivalent to sink + hole.