Plughole

Plughole

Noun · /ˈplʌɡhəʊl/ · the drain opening in a sink, bath, or basin

Definition

A plughole is the hole in the bottom of a sink, bath, or basin through which water drains away. It is typically sealed with a rubber or metal plug when you want to fill the basin, and opened to let the water out. In British English, plughole is the standard everyday word. American English uses drain or drain hole instead — plughole is distinctly British.

Origin

A straightforward compound: plug (the stopper) + hole (the opening). Both words are Old English in origin — plug from Middle Dutch plugge, meaning a bung or stopper, and hole from Old English hol. The compound has been in everyday British use since the 19th century when indoor plumbing became standard in British homes. Its simplicity and directness make it a good example of plain English word-building.