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Definition of sump

sump

/sʌmp/
sump
Plural:sumps
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sump Lexical Profile

sump Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A pit, hollow, or low basin in which liquid collects, especially in the floor of a basement or at the bottom of a mine shaft from which water is pumped out.

Example

"The heavy rain flooded the basement when the pump inside the sump lost electrical power."

2

British The lower case or pan beneath an internal combustion engine that serves as a reservoir for lubricating oil.

Example

"A jagged rock on the unpaved road cracked the engine's sump, causing oil to leak onto the gravel."

3

A passage in a cave system that is completely submerged underwater.

Example

"Only experienced cave divers equipped with scuba gear could navigate through the narrow limestone sump."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sump

• Rhymes for sump

• Nearby Words

summoner
summons
sumo
sump
sumptuous
sumptuously
sumptuousness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'sump', meaning 'marsh' or 'swamp', which is cognate with English 'swamp' and German 'Sumpf'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sump. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sump
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