English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word gutter in English

What does gutter mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

gutter

US /ˈɡʌt̬.ɚ/
UK /ˈɡʌt.ər/
"gutter" picture

Noun

1.

a shallow trough fixed to the eaves of a roof for carrying off rainwater

Example:
•
The leaves clogged the gutter, causing water to overflow.
•
We need to clean out the gutters before the heavy rain.
Synonym:
drain channel trough duct conduit
2.

a shallow channel at the side of a street or road, to carry off rainwater and rubbish

Example:
•
The ball rolled into the gutter.
•
He found a lost wallet lying in the street gutter.
Synonym:
drain ditch channel culvert
3.

a state of extreme poverty, degradation, or squalor

Example:
•
He rose from the gutter to become a successful businessman.
•
His life spiraled down into the gutter after he lost his job.
Synonym:
slum poverty degradation squalor wretchedness

Verb

(of a candle or lamp) melt and drip down, especially with the flame flickering or going out

Example:
•
The candle began to gutter as the wax melted unevenly.
•
The flame of the lantern began to gutter in the strong wind.
Synonym:
drip melt flicker waver dim
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