What does sullage mean?
Sullage is a relatively uncommon noun for dirty water or liquid waste produced in domestic or commercial premises. Its most characteristic use refers to water discharged from sinks, baths, washbasins, kitchens, and comparable fittings, especially in discussions of drainage systems, sewers, and building inspection. In broader contexts, the word can also denote sewage or effluent. Sullage should not be confused with ordinary clean water or with the specific process of sewage disposal. The term is largely formal and technical, and modern speakers usually use wastewater, effluent, or sewage instead. Although it sounds old-fashioned, sullage remains useful in plumbing, sanitation, property-survey, and historical writing because it distinguishes contaminated liquid waste from water entering a drainage system for other purposes. Its rarity also gives it a distinctive, slightly antiquarian character in ordinary language.
nounWaste water, especially dirty water discharged from kitchens, washbasins, baths, or similar domestic or commercial fittings. The term may also refer more generally to liquid waste or sewage.
- Dirty water or other liquid waste discharged from domestic or commercial premises.
- By extension, sewage or effluent regarded as waste from an occupied building.
"The old drainage system was designed to carry the sullage away from the kitchen into the sewer."
"Grease traps help prevent sullage from entering the main sewer."
"The surveyor reported excessive sullage around the foundations of the warehouse."
Normally used as an uncountable noun; the plural sullages is rare and occurs chiefly when separate quantities or discharges are being discussed.
"The inspector noted foul-smelling sullages beneath the building."
A once-familiar word for what disappears down the drain, sullage survives mainly in older plumbing and drainage writing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sullage come from?
The precise origin of sullage is not entirely transparent, although it is firmly associated with the vocabulary of waste, drainage, and dirt. In modern usage it developed in connection with wastewater and sewage, alongside older forms of sully meaning to make dirty or defile.
How sullage is actually used
Chiefly a technical or historical term, now uncommon in ordinary speech. It is especially associated with building drainage, sanitation, and property inspection; its precise application can vary according to context.