cul-de-sac

noun

ˈkəl-di-ˌsak 

ˈku̇l-;

ˌkəl-di-ˈsak, 

ˌku̇l-

plural cul-de-sacs ˈkəl-di-ˌsaks 

ˈku̇l-;

ˌkəl-di-ˈsaks, 

ˌku̇l-

also culs-de-sac ˈkəl(z)-di-ˌsak 

ˈku̇l(z)-;

ˌkəl(z)-di-ˈsak, 

ˌku̇l(z)-

1

: a blind diverticulum or pouch

2

: a street or passage closed at one end

Our house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac.

3

: a fruitless or mistaken course or direction

If your job is a cul-de-sac, you have to quit or accept the fact that your career is over.

—Seth Godin

Examples of cul-de-sac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spector is clearly concerned with the pernicious consequences of technology, its ability to numb emotions and steer people into ideological cul-de-sacs. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Dharmesh Patel was a respected radiologist who appeared to live an idyllic family life in a peaceful Pasadena cul-de-sac. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Named Venezia Pacifica, the mega-mansion is perched on over an acre of land in the Cliffside Drive cul-de-sac. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

On every suburban cul-de-sac or city block, game nights are popping up faster than a $1,500 stroller at the playground. — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, bottom of the bag

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cul-de-sac

noun

ˈkəl-di-ˌsak 

ˈku̇l-

plural cul-de-sacs

ˈkəl-di-ˌsaks, 

ˈku̇l-

also culs-de-sac

ˈkəl(z)-di-ˌsak, 

ˈku̇l(z)-

: a street or passage closed at one end

Medical Definition

cul-de-sac

noun

ˈkəl-di-ˌsak, ˈku̇l-; ˌkəl-di-ˈ, ˌku̇l- 

plural culs-de-sac ˈkəl(z)-, ˈku̇l(z)-, ˌkəl(z)-, ˌku̇l(z)-  also cul-de-sacs -ˌsaks, -ˈsaks 

1

: a blind diverticulum or pouch

also : the closed end of such a pouch

2

: pouch of douglas