# gutter

/ˈɡətɝ/ (US) · /ɡˈʌtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gutter
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. roof drainage

noun · CEFR B2

a plastic or metal pipe under the edge of a roof that carries rainwater away.

For teachers: a shallow trough fixed beneath the eaves of a building to collect and divert rainwater.

- We need to clean the leaves out of the gutter before the heavy rain starts.
- The contractor recommended replacing the rusted iron gutters with seamless aluminium ones to prevent further water damage to the fascia boards.

### 2. roadside channel

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- 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.

### 3. printing/comics

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: the blank space or inner margin between two facing pages or columns of printed text.

- 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.

### 4. moral low point

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. bowling

noun · CEFR B2

the long grooves on either side of a bowling lane.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. candle flickering

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 7. vulgar

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The gutter is full of leaves after the storm.
- Heavy rain caused the gutter to overflow, sending a sheet of water down the side of the house.
- Neglecting to clear the gutter of debris can lead to significant structural damage as water seeps into the wooden fascia and eventually the interior walls.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.