What does gutter mean?
Gutter most commonly names a narrow drainage channel, particularly one running along the edge of a roof to collect rainwater or one carrying water beside a road. The word has a strong figurative side: a person, institution, or society in the gutter is in a degraded, neglected, or socially marginal condition. “Gutter” can also be used contemptibly for someone considered dishonorable or worthless. As a verb, it describes liquid flowing in a stream, as when rain runs down a window, and can describe a flame flickering as it weakens or burns low. Its imagery is memorable because a gutter receives what falls from above and carries it away, suggesting both accumulation and loss. The word appears frequently in discussions of flooding, urban maintenance, politics, morality, and decline, making it useful for both literal description and vivid figurative criticism.
A narrow channel or hollow that carries rainwater or other liquid away, especially one at the edge of a roof or beside a road. Figuratively, it can refer to a condition of decline, degradation, or social marginality, and it may contemptibly describe a disreputable person.
"The old house had rusted rain gutters and a cracked downpipe."
The personal sense is highly derogatory and is usually used to express strong contempt.
To flow in a stream or channel, especially as rainwater; to burn with a flickering or failing flame. Figuratively, it can mean to deteriorate or decline gradually.
"Rain guttered down the window while the room went dark."
The verb is less common than the noun, but its figurative use can describe a steady loss of strength, quality, or prosperity.
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The gutters overflow after heavy rain."
A gutter carries away what falls from above—and can also describe the downward spiral of a person or society.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gutter
The English word gutter comes through Middle English from Old French goter, ultimately from Latin gutta, meaning “drop.” The sense developed from a small hollow or channel to the drainage channels now commonly associated with buildings and streets. Gout and gutta preserve the same Latin root, although their modern meanings are quite different.
Related word forms
How gutter is actually used
The noun is standard in literal drainage contexts and in figurative expressions such as “in the gutter” and “political gutter.” Calling someone a “gutter” is strongly contemptuous and informal. The verb can describe flowing liquid, a flickering flame, or a gradual decline.