Finesentence

Gutter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gutter

gut-ter

🇺🇸 /ˈɡətɝ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɡˈʌtɐ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical structure

A gutter is a channel or trough designed to collect and divert water, typically from the roof of a building. It helps to prevent water damage by directing rainwater away from foundations and walls. Gutters are often made of materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. They are an essential part of a building's drainage system and must be regularly maintained to prevent clogs and overflows.

Synonyms

channel, drain, trough.

Examples of usage

  • The heavy rain caused the gutters to overflow.
  • We need to clean the gutters before winter.
  • The gutter system protects the house from water damage.
Context #2 | Noun

street context

In a street context, a gutter refers to the part of a road that is designed for drainage, usually located at the edge. It collects rainwater and directs it into drainage systems. Gutter systems are crucial for preventing flooding on roadways during heavy rains and can often be found alongside sidewalks.

Synonyms

ditch, drainage, waterway.

Examples of usage

  • He parked his bike near the gutter.
  • The gutter was filled with fallen leaves.
  • Water ran down the gutter during the storm.
Context #3 | Verb

to collect water

To gutter means to take on the role of directing or collecting water, often as a verb referring to the action of flushing water into a gutter system. This action is essential in maintaining effective water drainage on properties. It can also refer to the process of waste disposal or cleaning.

Synonyms

channel, divert, drain.

Examples of usage

  • We need to gutter the water away from the garden.
  • The system gutters the runoff effectively.
  • Make sure to gutter the excess water daily.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “gutter”

Gutter is a 2-syllable noun and verb (gut-ter). It is pronounced /ˈɡətɝ/ in American English and /ɡˈʌtɐ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 3 meanings, 9 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #14,961 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'gutter'

The word 'gutter' originates from the Old French term 'goutière', which means a trough or channel for draining water. This term, in turn, traces back to the Latin word 'gutta', meaning 'drop'. The evolution of the word reflects the function it serves, which is the collection and draining of water. By the 14th century, 'gutter' was adopted into Middle English, signifying various drainage systems used in construction and urban settings. Over the centuries, the use of gutters expanded from simple trenches in the ground to include more sophisticated systems attached to buildings to manage rainwater effectively. Today, gutters are an essential element of architecture and civil engineering, designed to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure from water damage.

Rhymes

Gutter rhymes with aflutter, nutter, butter, utter, cutter, shutter, flutter and clutter.

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Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,961, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.