gutter

gut-ter · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    A shallow trough below the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater.

  2. 2.

    A channel at the side of a street for carrying off water.

  3. 3.

    (figurative) The lowest or most degraded state or condition.

  4. 4.

    (of a candle or flame) To flicker and burn unsteadily.

Forms

plural: gutters

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gutter press — Sensationalist or tabloid journalism
  • •
    in the gutter — In a degraded or low state
  • •
    mind in the gutter — Having vulgar or inappropriate thoughts
  • •
    from the gutter — From poverty or low circumstances

Related words

See also: channel, drain, roof, sewer
Synonyms: channel, drain, trough

Etymology

From Old French goutiere ("channel for water"), from goute ("drop"), from Latin gutta ("drop").