What does sluice mean?
A sluice is a gate, opening, or channel that controls the movement of water. The term most commonly refers to a sliding barrier in a dam or embankment, opened to release water into a channel and closed to restrict or stop the flow. It can also refer to the channel or passage itself, or more broadly to a sudden discharge of liquid. The word has a practical and technical use in civil engineering, water management, and construction, but it can also be used figuratively: “a sluice of words” suggests a torrent of speech. Its associations with concentrated water flowing through a controlled opening make it vivid when describing a sudden release of emotion, language, or activity. Although often thought of in connection with dams and reservoirs, a sluice can control other liquids as well.
A gate or opening in a dam or embankment that regulates the flow of water; also a channel through which water or another liquid passes.
"The sluice at the end of the channel was raised to release the water."
Often specifically associated with a controlled release of water from a reservoir, dam, or similar structure.
To flow or discharge through a sluice or channel, especially suddenly or in a concentrated stream.
"Water sluiced across the floor when the pipe burst."
Less common than the noun; it can also be used figuratively for a sudden release of words, emotion, or information.
The plural is used for multiple gates, openings, channels, or outlets of this kind.
"Several sluices along the dam were opened during the flood."
One small sluice can release enough water to flood a valley instantly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sluice come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French sluse or sluice, a term for a water gate. The Old French word was borrowed from Latin slucia, associated with water or a water channel. The modern form developed in English as a word for both the gate and the passage through which water flows.
Related word forms
How sluice is actually used
The word is chiefly used for gates, channels, and outlets associated with controlling water. In figurative use, especially for speech, it can suggest an uncontrolled or forceful flow.
Easily confused with sluice
A sluice is the gate or opening that controls a flow of water, whereas a sluiceway is the channel or passage through which it flows.