sullage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very RareTechnical/Formal (Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Plumbing); Archaic/Regional (general use).
Quick answer
What does “sullage” mean?
Wastewater or refuse from domestic activities, especially the greywater and solid waste from sinks, drains, and kitchens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Wastewater or refuse from domestic activities, especially the greywater and solid waste from sinks, drains, and kitchens; also, sediment or silt deposited by water.
In engineering and environmental contexts, it refers to liquid waste containing pollutants, often distinct from sewage. Figuratively, it can mean refuse or rubbish in a broad sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British engineering contexts or historical Indian English documents (e.g., 'sullage pit'). In the US, 'graywater' or 'wastewater' are strongly preferred.
Connotations
Technical/neutral in specialist fields. Can sound archaic or pretentious in general use.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in corpora. Mostly confined to technical manuals, old regulations, or academic writing in environmental engineering.
Grammar
How to Use “sullage” in a Sentence
The [drain/pipe] carries sullage.[Proper/Effective] sullage disposal is essential.The [pit/tank] collects the sullage.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sullage” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The ancient drain was clogged with centuries of sullage and silt.
- Local regulations require a separate tank for rainwater and sullage.
American English
- The environmental report highlighted improper sullage disposal in the campsite.
- The term 'sullage' is rarely used in modern US plumbing codes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Possible in historical, environmental engineering, or public health papers.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. Would be misunderstood.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in civil engineering, sanitation, and plumbing specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sullage”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sullage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sullage”
- Using 'sullage' to mean sewage (human waste).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsuːlɪdʒ/ (like 'soul'). Correct is /ˈsʌlɪdʒ/ (like 'sull'en).
- Using it in everyday conversation where 'dirty water' or 'wastewater' is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are waste, 'sewage' specifically contains human excreta (blackwater). 'Sullage' typically refers to greywater from baths, sinks, and kitchens, without toilet waste.
It is not recommended. It is a technical/archaic term. Use 'wastewater', 'greywater', or simply 'dirty water from the sink' instead.
It is exclusively a noun. There is no verb 'to sullage' in standard usage.
Extremely unlikely. Its rarity and technical nature make it unsuitable for general proficiency tests.
Wastewater or refuse from domestic activities, especially the greywater and solid waste from sinks, drains, and kitchens.
Sullage is usually technical/formal (civil engineering, environmental science, plumbing); archaic/regional (general use). in register.
Sullage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None. The word does not feature in common idiomatic expressions.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SULLAGE' as the 'SULL'EN (gloomy, dirty) refuse from the kitchen SINK that needs to be drained AWAY.
Conceptual Metaphor
WASTE IS FILTH / STAGNANT WATER IS NEGLECT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern synonym for 'sullage' in an environmental context?