weep hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “weep hole” mean?
A small opening designed to allow water to drain from a structure, especially from masonry walls, retaining walls, or window sills.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small opening designed to allow water to drain from a structure, especially from masonry walls, retaining walls, or window sills.
A purpose-made drainage hole in construction or engineering that prevents water accumulation and damage. The term may also be used metaphorically to describe a small outlet for relief, pressure, or emotion in non-technical contexts, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the same term. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical; no additional connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “weep hole” in a Sentence
The weep hole + VERB (drains, allows, prevents)VERB (install, clean, check) + the weep holeADJECTIVE (blocked, small, essential) + weep holeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weep hole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wall does not 'weep hole'; the term is a noun.
American English
- You cannot 'weep hole' something; it is strictly a noun.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The weep-hole drainage system was inspected.
American English
- The weep-hole inspection is part of the maintenance schedule.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in construction or property maintenance contracts/reports.
Academic
Used in architecture, civil engineering, and building conservation texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in construction manuals, building codes, and architectural plans.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weep hole”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weep hole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weep hole”
- Confusing it with a general hole or vent. Misinterpreting 'weep' as related to sadness. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The wall weep holes').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both allow air movement, a weep hole's primary purpose is water drainage, often from a specific cavity or space.
No. Sealing weep holes traps moisture inside the wall assembly, which can cause rot, mold, and structural damage.
They are often simply gaps left between bricks or masonry units, but can also be formed by plastic or metal inserts or tubes.
At the bottom of cavity walls, under window sills, in retaining walls, and in some foundation systems.
A small opening designed to allow water to drain from a structure, especially from masonry walls, retaining walls, or window sills.
Weep hole is usually technical / specialized in register.
Weep hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːp ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːp ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term, not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a brick wall 'weeping' or slowly letting water out through tiny holes to stay dry and strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A BODY / WATER IS TEARS: The building 'cries' out excess water through these holes to maintain its health.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a weep hole?