noun
cesspool
SEHS-pool
Cesspool (noun) means an underground pit that collects and holds sewage or wastewater. Example: “The old farmhouse still relied on a cesspool instead of a modern septic system.”
noun
1
An underground pit that collects and holds sewage or wastewater.
"The old farmhouse still relied on a cesspool instead of a modern septic system."
"Engineers were called in to empty the overflowing cesspool."
2
Figuratively, a place or situation that is extremely dirty, corrupt, or unpleasant.
"Critics called the comment section a cesspool of insults."
"The company's finances had turned into a cesspool of hidden debt."
How to use cesspool
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a sewage pit, or figuratively any place that is disgustingly dirty or corrupt.
Common pairings
cesspool of corruption
moral cesspool
empty the cesspool
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Word forms
- Plural
- cesspools
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The old farmhouse still relied on a _____ instead of a modern septic system.
Etymology
Origin disputed. It may combine an old Italian word for a toilet with English "pool," though several other, more roundabout, theories exist too.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cesspool
See all rhymes for cesspool →Frequently asked questions
What does “cesspool” mean?
The word “cesspool” means an underground pit that collects and holds sewage or wastewater. In plain terms, literally a sewage pit, or figuratively any place that is disgustingly dirty or corrupt.
How do you pronounce “cesspool”?
“Cesspool” is pronounced SEHS-pool (/ˈsɛsˌpuːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cesspool” in a sentence?
Here is “cesspool” used in a sentence: “The old farmhouse still relied on a cesspool instead of a modern septic system.”
What part of speech is “cesspool”?
“Cesspool” is a noun.
Where does the word “cesspool” come from?
The word “cesspool” comes from Italian. Origin disputed. It may combine an old Italian word for a toilet with English "pool," though several other, more roundabout, theories exist too.
How many meanings does “cesspool” have?
“Cesspool” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an underground pit that collects and holds sewage or wastewater.
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