: a vertical pipe used to drain rainwater from a roof

Examples of downspout in a Sentence

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.
Rain chains and other small water features appearing on home downspouts 2. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Make sure all gutters slope slightly toward the downspouts so that water can flow freely. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2026 Look at the bottoms of the downspouts to see if water is flowing out of them. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 30 Sep. 2026 In place of contemporary downspouts, rain chains—metal ropes that guide water—make weather a zen experience. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downspout

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downspout was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Downspout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downspout. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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