stink trap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Informal
Quick answer
What does “stink trap” mean?
A U-shaped pipe or other plumbing fitting designed to prevent foul smells from sewers or drains from entering a building.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A U-shaped pipe or other plumbing fitting designed to prevent foul smells from sewers or drains from entering a building.
Any device or barrier meant to contain or block unpleasant odours. Informally, can refer to a situation, place, or person that generates metaphorical 'bad smells' of controversy, corruption, or unpleasantness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English as a technical term. In American English, 'P-trap' or simply 'trap' is the standard plumbing term. The metaphorical use is understood but rare in both varieties.
Connotations
The literal term is neutral in both. The metaphorical use carries a humorous, slightly vulgar connotation due to 'stink'.
Frequency
Rare in general usage. Higher frequency in UK trade/plumbing contexts than in US.
Grammar
How to Use “stink trap” in a Sentence
[Subject: plumber] + VERB (cleared) + [Object: the stink trap][Subject: the drain] + VERB (has) + [Object: a stink trap]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stink trap” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The plumber said the blockage was just past the stink trap under the sink.
- A good stink trap should always hold a small amount of water.
American English
- The handyman referred to the P-trap as a stink trap, which made us laugh.
- If you smell sewer gas, your stink trap might have dried out.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in engineering or building maintenance texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing home plumbing problems.
Technical
Standard term in British plumbing manuals and trade discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stink trap”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stink trap”
- Confusing it with 'stench pipe' (which is a vent pipe).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'something smelly'.
- Misspelling as 'stinktrap'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are similar in function. Both are types of pipe traps that use a water seal. 'U-bend', 'P-trap', and 'S-bend' are all shapes that create this seal.
No, it is too informal and vague. In formal or technical contexts (e.g., an engineering report), use 'P-trap', 'U-bend', or 'drain siphon'.
The most common reason is evaporation. If a drain is not used regularly, the water in the trap's U-bend can evaporate, breaking the seal and allowing smells through. It can also become blocked by debris.
It is understood but not the standard term. American plumbers and hardware stores almost exclusively use 'P-trap'. 'Stink trap' would be considered a colloquial or British-influenced term.
A U-shaped pipe or other plumbing fitting designed to prevent foul smells from sewers or drains from entering a building.
Stink trap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌtræp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌtræp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A political stink trap (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a trap that catches a STINK, just like a mouse trap catches a mouse. The U-shape traps water, which blocks the smelly air.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINMENT / BARRIER FOR NEGATIVE FORCES (odour, scandal, corruption).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a stink trap?