sump

noun

ˈsəmp 

1

: a pit or reservoir serving as a drain or receptacle for liquids: such as

a

: cesspool

b

: a pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (such as the oil-circulating system of an internal combustion engine)

c

chiefly British : oil pan

2

British : crankcase

3

[German Sumpf, literally, marsh, from Middle High German — more at swamp]

a

: the lowest part of a mine shaft into which water drains

b

: an excavation ahead of regular work in driving a mine tunnel or sinking a mine shaft

4

: something resembling a sump : sink sense 2

Examples of sump in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add-ons: Central vacuum, standalone freezers, sprinklers, pool, spa, sump or well pump, septic system, roof leaks Coverage limits: $3,000 for AC/heating; $500 for electrical, plumbing and appliances; $400 for roof leaks. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025

Photo : Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby's The 3.0-liter V-8 in this example, with its dry sump lubrication system, makes 237 hp. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025

So there are things like individual throttle valves, dry sump lubrication, solid cam finger followers (instead of hydraulic valve lifters), titanium con rods, and forged pistons. —Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025

In addition, Royal Enfield will also provide a wide range of accessories, including more scrambler-specific components like a headlight grille and a sump guard, as well as standard equipment like touring mirrors and a touring seat. —New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sompe swamp — more at swamp

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sump

• sump pump

Kids Definition

sump

noun

ˈsəmp 

: a pit or reservoir serving as a container or as a drain for liquids