# sinkhole

/ˈsɪŋkˌhoʊɫ/ (US) · /sˈɪŋkhəʊl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sinkhole
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a large hole in the ground that suddenly appears. It is usually caused by water washing away the soil or rock underneath the surface.

For teachers: a depression or hole in the ground surface, typically caused by the collapse of the surface layer or the dissolution of underlying soluble rock.

## Examples

- 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.

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