Meaning & Definition
noun
A sloping channel or slide for conveying things to a lower level.
The children enjoyed sliding down the chute at the playground.
A device, often constructed of canvas or plastic, that allows a person or object to descend from a higher to a lower level, typically used in parachuting.
The skydiver checked his chute before jumping out of the plane.
A structure designed for directing the flow of water or material downward.
The water flowed down the chute into the reservoir.
A passage or channel that allows items to be moved from one level to another, commonly used in industrial settings.
The factory used a chute to move products from the assembly line to the packaging area.
Etymology
From French 'chuter', meaning 'to fall'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
firefighter's chute:
A chute used by firefighters for quick descent.
laundry chute:
A vertical shaft for sending laundry down to a lower level.
water slide chute:
A water slide designed for recreation.
Slang Meanings
A colloquial term for a failure or drop in status.
After the scandal, his career took a chute.
To leave quickly or sneak away.
He decided to chute out of the party early.