swallow hole

9.9

A hole in the ground where water goes underground into caves, often in limestone

noun
/ˈswɑloʊ hoʊl/

: sumidero

The landscape is dotted with swallow holes formed over thousands of years in the limestone.

Examples

Heavy rain caused water to gush into the swallow hole, disappearing underground within minutes.
Explorers discovered a vast network of caves beneath the swallow hole in the field.
The swallow hole opened up unexpectedly in the park.
Many visitors were surprised by the large swallow holes in the area.
Heavy rain caused water to gush into the swallow hole, disappearing underground within minutes.
Explorers discovered a vast network of caves beneath the swallow hole in the field.
The landscape is dotted with swallow holes formed over thousands of years in the limestone.

Synonyms

sinkhole

vsswallow hole

18 5.7

A hole in the ground made when the surface collapses, often in limestone areas

is more about depressions caused by rock dissolution or cavern roof collapse

sink

vsswallow hole

Specialized

3 9.9

A hollow in the ground that forms when the surface collapses

is similar but also highlights rock dissolution as a cause alongside collapse

Surface Forms

swallow hole singular

swallow holes plural

Morphology

swallow + hole

The compound is partly compositional: 'swallow' used metaphorically ('to absorb or take in') plus 'hole' suggests a hole that swallows or takes things in, so a learner who knows both words could infer a hole that consumes water or material. However, the specific geological sense — a depression leading to a subterranean passage formed by rock dissolution or collapse — is a technical extension that may not be fully predictable to a B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

Swallow hole comes from the clear image of a hole that seems to swallow water and small things when they fall in; after rain the water disappears into caves below. So the name means a natural hole that 'takes in' water or objects into the ground.