First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1ditch
noun \ˈdich\
: a long narrow hole that is dug along a road, field, etc., and used to hold or move water
Full Definition of DITCH
: a long narrow excavation dug in the earth (as for drainage)
See ditch defined for English-language learners
See ditch defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DITCH
Middle English dich, from Old English dīc dike, ditch; akin to Middle High German tīch pond, dike
Other Civil Engineering Terms
2ditch
verb
: to stop having or using (something you no longer want or need) : to get rid of (something)
: to end a relationship with (someone)
: to get away from (someone you do not want to be with) without saying that you are leaving
Full Definition of DITCH
transitive verb
1
a : to enclose with a ditch b : to dig a ditch in
2
: to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water
3
intransitive verb
1
: to dig a ditch
2
: to crash-land at sea
See ditch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DITCH
14th century
DITCH Defined for Kids
1ditch
noun \ˈdich\
Definition of DITCH for Kids
: a long narrow channel or trench dug in the earth
2ditch
verb
ditchedditch·ing
Definition of DITCH for Kids
1
: to get rid of : discard <He ditched the old car.>
2
: to end a relationship with <She ditched her friends.>
Learn More About DITCH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: ditch bank bladePrevious Word in the Dictionary: ditaliniAll Words Near: ditch
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ditch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).