# sluice

/ˈsɫus/ (US) · /slˈuːs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sluice
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a narrow water channel with a gate that controls how much water flows through. You see them in dams, mills and mines for moving or washing with water.

For teachers: a water channel fitted with a movable gate for controlling flow, volume or level. Commonly used in mills, irrigation systems and placer mining to direct water or wash ore.

## Examples

- The farmer opens the sluice to water the fields.
- Miners direct river water through the sluice to separate gold from gravel.
- After heavy rain, the old mill's sluice groans under the pressure as pent-up water rushes toward the wheel below.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears as 'sluice gate' for the movable barrier itself.

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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.