Chute: meaning, definitions and examples

A long, narrow passage, usually a tube or channel, used to guide objects or liquids downwards. It's often used in manufacturing or playgrounds.

• The laundry was thrown down the chute to the basement
• The playground has a slide that's actually a chute

To move downward quickly, typically without control. It can refer to both physical falls and metaphorical declines.

• He slipped on the ice and had a bad fall
• The company's profits took a significant fall last quarter

To accidentally let liquid (or other substances) escape from a container. It emphasizes the unintentional nature of the action.

• She spilled her coffee all over the table
• There was a large spill of oil on the road

To fall down awkwardly and with a lot of movement, often suggesting clumsiness. It can also refer to decreasing rapidly in value or amount.

• He tumbled down the stairs after tripping on a toy
• The stock market tumbled after the bad news was announced

A narrow, steep, rock-filled or water-filled passage, typically used to refer to a rapid descent of water. It can also be used to describe a device that helps objects or people descend quickly, like a waterslide or a garbage chute.

• The river narrowed into a rocky chute.
• The mail slides down a chute into the sorting area.

A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often with a stream running through it. It can be used in both nature descriptions and literary contexts. It sometimes carries a sense of awe or danger.

• The hikers walked along the edge of the gorge.
• The river cut a deep gorge through the mountains.

A small, narrow, steep-sided valley larger than a gully but smaller than a canyon or gorge, often with a seasonal stream. Generally used in a natural setting but can sometimes have a more negative connotation, implying difficulty or danger.

• He stumbled across the ravine in the dark.
• The kids built a bridge over the ravine.

A large, deep valley with steep sides, usually carved by a river over a long period. It's often used in geographic or tourist contexts.

• The Grand Canyon is a major tourist attraction.
• They hiked deep into the canyon.

A chute is usually a steep, narrow passage down which things or people slide. It is often associated with industrial or emergency contexts.

• The firefighter slid down the safety chute to reach the ground quickly.
• The factory has a chute to transport waste materials to the lower level.

A passage refers to a way through or a means of passing from one place to another, which can be inside a building or outside. It is often used in a general context to describe any type of path, walkway, or hallway.

• He discovered a secret passage that led to the ancient chamber.
• The passage between the two buildings is usually locked at night.

A corridor is a narrow passage inside a building that connects different rooms or areas. It is typically found in schools, offices, and hotels.

• There were many paintings hanging in the corridor of the hotel.
• Students hurried down the corridor to get to their next class.

An alleyway is a narrow street or path between buildings, often used for pedestrian shortcuts or as a location for shops and restaurants in urban areas. It is generally associated with older, densely populated neighborhoods.

• The artist set up his stand in a quiet alleyway downtown.
• We took an alleyway to avoid the main road traffic.

This word is often used when referring to a slide or a passage that something can go down. It can also relate to equipment used in activities or transportation, like a parachute.

• The kids were excited to go down the water chute at the park.
• The emergency chute deployed successfully during the plane evacuation.

This word is used for a rapid and sudden drop or fall, typically describing drastic decreases in prices, temperatures, or other quantities. It often implies a strong negative impact.

• Stock prices plummeted after the news of the scandal.
• Temperatures are expected to plummet over the weekend.

This word is suitable for describing a gradual decrease or fall in terms of value, quality, or power, often used in formal or written contexts.

• The company's profits have continued to decline over the past year.
• There has been a steady decline in customer satisfaction.

This word is used to describe something becoming worse over time, often relating to health, conditions, or situations. It carries a negative connotation.

• His health began to deteriorate rapidly after the surgery.
• The condition of the old building has deteriorated significantly.