WordGarden.ioplughole
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /plˈʌɡhəʊl/
US
Meanings
Noun
the drain opening in a sink, bath, or similar fixture
Beyond the definition
A plughole, sometimes called a drain, is the opening in your sink, bathtub, or shower where water flows away. It's where unwanted water, and sometimes small objects you wish had not slipped away, disappear into the plumbing system. Think of it as the place where soapy water goes after washing dishes, or where bathwater goes after a relaxing soak. These openings are notorious for getting clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris!
The term "plughole" is particularly common in British English. In American English, you are more likely to hear "drain." Sometimes, the phrase "down the plughole" is used metaphorically to describe something being wasted or disappearing completely, like money, time, or a failing plan.
The humble plughole might seem insignificant, but it is a crucial part of everyday life. It is the opening in sinks, bathtubs, and showers that allows wastewater to drain away, helping to prevent overflow and keep things sanitary. The word itself comes from "plug-hole," originally referring to the hole where a plug would be inserted to stop water from draining. Over time, it came to describe the opening itself, even when no plug is present.
While functionally simple, plugholes can become surprisingly troublesome. They collect hair, soap residue, grease, and small objects that are accidentally dropped. This build-up leads to clogs, slowing drainage or stopping it altogether, a situation that often calls for a plumber or a plunger.
Beyond its practical function, "down the plughole" is also an idiom. It is used metaphorically to describe something being wasted, lost, or completely gone. For example, "All our efforts went down the plughole" means that despite all the work put in, nothing good came of it. It can also suggest a sense of helplessness, like watching something valuable disappear without being able to stop it.
So next time you see a plughole, remember that it is more than just a hole in the sink; it is where waste water disappears, a common source of frustration, and even a metaphor for loss.
Examples
- 1
Hair blockage
There was a clump of hair caught in the plughole.
- 2
Blocked sink
The sink filled up because the plughole was blocked.
- 3
Draining water
She poured the dirty water down the plughole.
- 4
Wasted effort
When the company closed, years of work seemed to have gone down the plughole.
- Phrasego down the plughole
be wasted or lost
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- plugholenoun