Sinkhole: meaning, definitions and examples

Common term for a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Often found in urban areas, causing damage.

• The road was closed off due to a massive sinkhole.
• Homes in the neighborhood had to be evacuated because of the growing sinkhole.

A natural depression or hole where a stream or river disappears underground. Typically used in the context of hydrology or caving.

• The stream vanished into the swallow hole, making it difficult to track.
• Explorers discovered several new chambers connected to the swallow hole.

A shallow, enclosed depression in the ground, typically found in karst landscapes. Scientific or geological term often used in academic contexts.

• The researchers studied the formation of the doline in the karst region.
• Dolines can vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the underlying geology.

A natural pit or sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath, primarily found in Mexico. Often associated with historical or cultural significance.

• Tourists love to swim in the clear waters of the cenote.
• Ancient civilizations used the cenote for rituals and as a water source.

A sinkhole is often used in geological contexts to describe a large hole that suddenly appears in the ground due to the collapse of its surface layer. It's typically caused by natural processes like erosion.

• A massive sinkhole opened up in the middle of the street, swallowing several cars.
• The house was destroyed when a sinkhole formed beneath it.

Cavity is frequently used in medical or dental contexts to describe a small, hollow space, especially inside the body or items.

• The dentist filled the cavity in my molar.
• The X-ray revealed a cavity in the upper section of the patient's lung.

Depression in this context relates to a low area in a surface, commonly used in geography or general descriptions. Note that it can also refer to a mental health condition, but that's not relevant here.

• After the rain, water accumulated in the depression in our backyard.
• The geographical survey identified several depressions in the terrain.

A pit generally refers to a large hole or excavation in the ground, often created by human activity, such as for mining or disposal purposes.

• They dug a pit for the campfire.
• The old quarry has been abandoned, and now it is just a huge pit.