sewer

1 of 3

noun (1)

Synonyms of sewernext
: a medieval household officer often of high rank in charge of serving the dishes at table and sometimes of seating and tasting
: one that sews

sewer

3 of 3

noun (3)

: an artificial usually subterranean conduit to carry off sewage and sometimes surface water (as from rainfall)

Examples of sewer in a Sentence

Noun (2) a good sewer who designs her own clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Their contractor has been installing an emergency sewer holding tank that will help the hospital operate in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Commissioners and members of the public questioned why they were not brought into the decision sooner and why there was not more public involvement, comparing the process with a March decision about water and sewer rates. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Many of the city’s aging water, sewer and stormwater systems need to be upgraded. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Aguas del Tunari pledged to expand access to drinking water and sewer services while also developing hydroelectric and irrigation projects to support the surrounding communities. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sewer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French asseour, literally, seater, from Anglo-French asseer to seat — more at assize

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from assewer, essiver to drain, from Vulgar Latin *exaquare, from Latin ex- + aqua water — more at island

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sewer was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sewer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sewer. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

sewer

1 of 2 noun
: one that sews

sewer

2 of 2 noun
: a usually covered drain to carry off water and sewage

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