Meaning & Definition of word "Gutter"

Gutter

/ˈɡʌtər/

noun:

  • 1. A channel at the side of a street for carrying off rainwater.
    • Example: The heavy rain caused the gutters to overflow and flood the street.
  • 2. A trough or channel for water, typically found on the roof of a building.
    • Example: The roof gutter was clogged with leaves and needed to be cleaned.
  • 3. A low often sunken or depressed area; a margin or border.
    • Example: They built the houses with the gutters set lower than the gardens to control water flow.

verb:

  • 1. To cover or line with gutters.
    • Example: They decided to gutter the new building to prevent water damage.
  • 2. To flow or direct water into a gutter.
    • Example: The rainwater was guttered away from the foundation of the house.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of gutter

Meaning: In the gutter

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

Meaning: Gutter rat

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