gutter

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the edge of a road where water flows away into a drain.

n. a prepared channel at the side of a road, typically adjacent to a curb, designed for drainage.

Español:acequia

“The ball rolled across the street and disappeared into the gutter.”

“Heavy debris from the storm clogged the street gutter, causing significant flooding at the intersection during the morning rush hour.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. the empty space between two columns of text or between the panels of a comic book.

n. the blank space or inner margin between two facing pages or columns of printed text.

Español:medianil

“The designer increased the gutter width to make the magazine easier to read.”

“In comic book theory, the gutter represents the transition between panels where the reader must mentally bridge the gap in time or action.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary

n. a very low, poor, or dishonest way of living.

n. a notional locus of social or moral degradation; often used to describe vulgar language or behavior.

“He worked hard to pull himself out of the gutter and find a good job.”

“The politician was accused of gutter journalism after he leaked private details about his opponent's family life.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the long grooves on either side of a bowling lane.

n. the recessed channels flanking a bowling lane that catch balls failing to reach the pins.

“The child was disappointed when her first three throws all went straight into the gutter.”

“Novice bowlers often struggle with their release, resulting in the ball hooking sharply into the gutter before it can impact the pins.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to burn unsteadily or flicker as if the flame is about to go out.

v. to flicker or burn fitfully, especially of a candle flame nearing extinction or exposed to a draft.

“The candle guttered in the drafty hallway, casting long shadows on the walls.”

“As the oxygen in the chamber depleted, the torches began to gutter and hiss before finally plunging the explorers into total darkness.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

adj. describing something very rude, low-class, or offensive.

adj. characteristic of the lowest social level; marked by vulgarity or sordidness.

“I won't listen to that kind of gutter language in this house.”

“The tabloid was notorious for its gutter press tactics, prioritizing sensationalist scandals over factual reporting.”