chute

chute · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A vertical or inclined channel or slide for conveying things to a lower level.

  2. 2.

    A waterslide at a swimming pool or water park.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) Short for parachute.

  4. 4.

    A narrow passage for livestock, especially at a rodeo.

Forms

plural: chutes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    garbage chute — A vertical shaft for disposing of trash in a building.
  • •
    laundry chute — A passage for sending laundry to a lower floor.

Related words

See also: parachute, shaft, slide
Synonyms: channel, shaft, slide, trough

Etymology

From French chute ("fall"), from Old French cheoite, past participle of cheoir ("to fall"), from Latin cadere ("to fall"). The sense of a vertical passage developed from the idea of things falling down it.