Gutter

/ˈɡʌtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A channel at the side of a street for carrying off rainwater.

The heavy rain caused the gutters to overflow and flood the street.

A trough or channel for water, typically found on the roof of a building.

The roof gutter was clogged with leaves and needed to be cleaned.

A low often sunken or depressed area; a margin or border.

They built the houses with the gutters set lower than the gardens to control water flow.

verb

To cover or line with gutters.

They decided to gutter the new building to prevent water damage.

To flow or direct water into a gutter.

The rainwater was guttered away from the foundation of the house.

Middle English, from Old French 'goutiere' meaning 'rain spout', from Latin 'gutta' meaning 'drop'.

down the gutter

In a state of decline or failure.

gutter oil

Used oil recycled and reprocessed for cooking, often in a negative context.

gutter press

Sensationalist journalism focused on gossip and scandal.

drainage

The process of removing excess water from an area.

spout

A tube or pipe through which water flows.

sewer

An underground conduit for carrying off sewage and surface water.

In the gutter

He's been living in the gutter since he lost his job.

Gutter rat

That gutter rat won't last long on the streets.