Words / B1

DRAYNP-yp/ˈdreɪnpaɪp/

A drainpipe is the vertical pipe on the outside of a house that takes rainwater down from the gutter. A gutter runs along the roof edge; a sewer is underground. Collocation: a blocked drainpipe; climb a drainpipe (old storybook idea — not a good plan). Countable.

Meaning

A pipe on the outside of a building that carries rainwater down from the roof.

Examples

• “The football got stuck behind the drainpipe by the shed.”
• “Leaves have blocked the drainpipe, so water pours over the door.”
• “The ladder was leaning against the drainpipe while they cleaned the gutter.”

Good to know

a drainpipe. Contrast: a gutter (roof edge) / a sewer (underground). Outside rainwater pipe.

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