ditch

noun

\ ˈdich

Definition of ditch

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a long narrow excavation dug in the earth (as for drainage)

ditch

verb

Definition of ditch (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to surround with a long narrow cavity in the earth : to enclose with a ditch (see ditch entry 1) The pasture was hedged and ditched.

b : to dig a ditch in

2 aviation : to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water successfully ditched the plane

3a : to get rid of : discard ditch an old car had to ditch their plan

b : to end association with : leave ditched school His girlfriend ditched him.

intransitive verb

1 : to dig a ditch

2 aviation : to crash-land at sea

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about ditch

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of ditch in a Sentence

Noun

He drove the car into the ditch. after skidding on the ice, our car went right into the ditch

Verb

The thief ditched the purse in an alley. They ditched the car in a vacant lot. They ditched me at the concert.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Though the ditches were filled in during subsequent centuries, deep trenches remain beneath the surface of the ground. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "A Heat Wave is Revealing Centuries-Old Sites in Wales," 11 July 2018 The bus behind that one had to veer off the roadway and went partially into the ditch. — Frank Abderholden, Lake County News-Sun, "Bus avoids collision near Antioch; police report minor injuries to 7 children," 21 June 2018 The unidentified man reportedly returned fire at the car chasing him before driving into the ditch. — Kathleen Joyce, Fox News, "Man arrested after beer pong game leads to shooting, police say," 13 June 2018 In later digs Noël Hume determined that the ditch alongside the earthwork cuts across the workshop—suggesting the fort was built after the lab and possibly wasn't even Elizabethan. — Andrew Lawler, Science | AAAS, "Archaeologists start a new hunt for the fabled Lost Colony of the New World," 6 June 2018 Neighboring countries are also likely to take additional economic measures against Venezuela, likely driving the country’s economy even deeper into the ditch. — Benjamin Hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Maduro Wins Second Term in Shattered Venezuela As U.S. Promises New Sanctions," 21 May 2018 The dynamos which will furnish power for the street railway will receive their power from the water in the Jacobs mill ditch. — Arthur Hart, idahostatesman, "In late 19th century, electric streetcars were a big deal in Boise | Idaho Statesman," 4 May 2018 The vehicle was on fire in the east ditch under 287th Street when emergency crews arrived. — Joe Robertson, kansascity, "Crash death mourned at Lakemary Center, where victim worked, wife was president," 30 Apr. 2018 Assistance, Sugar Tree Lane: While a tow truck was removing a vehicle from the ditch shortly before midnight March 2, another vehicle became stuck after missing a driveway. — Joan Rusek, cleveland.com, "Winter storms and down trees stop traffic: Russell Township Police Blotter," 9 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Mary Welsh Hemingway, who happily ditched her own journalistic career in London, along with family and friends, was just the answer. — Dana Snitzky, Longreads, "Hemingway’s Last Girl," 12 July 2018 Audi revealed a brand-new luxury SUV called the Q8, aiming to attract customers who are ditching passenger cars for bigger vehicles. — Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "Audi Q8 SUV revealed: Luxury SUV market gets new 5-passenger model," 5 June 2018 Just eight months after Ikea opened at 116th Street and I-69, the global furniture maker has ditched plans to build three new stores and shifted its focus to online ordering. — John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Amazon effect? Ikea Fishers opens just before retailer slows construction, focuses online," 1 June 2018 But now Steyer, who’s almost entirely ditched his old not-too-camera-friendly practice of wearing a red tartan tie every day, was becoming a political celebrity in his own right. — Gabriel Debenedetti, Daily Intelligencer, "Mega-Donor Tom Steyer Is Forcing Democrats to Talk Impeachment. Is It a Losing Strategy?," 25 May 2018 Dreaming of open roads, picturesque scenery, and a simplified life, people around the country are ditching their mortgages for vans, campers, and the like. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Camper van owners can find land to park on with Parkmybnb," 12 June 2018 Former manager Kovač will also be ditching Frankfurt for greener pastures this summer, with the 46-year-old set to take over from Jupp Heynckes at Bayern Munich next season. — SI.com, "Borussia Dortmund Confirm the Signing of German Cup Winner Marius Wolf From Frankfurt," 28 May 2018 The populists ditched some of their most incendiary campaign vows, such as calling for a referendum on whether Italy should abandon the euro or leave the European Union. — Bard Wilkinson, CNN, "Italian President summons Carlo Cottarelli as election turmoil deepens," 28 May 2018 The suspect's Jeep was later found ditched on a road, according to Vinson. — Crimesider Staff, CBS News, "Baltimore County police officer shot, killed in line of duty," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ditch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.