How Do You Spell OUTHOUSE?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ʊtha͡ʊs] (IPA)

The term "outhouse" is spelled as [ˈaʊtˌhaʊs]. This phonetic transcription breaks down the word into its separate sounds. The first sound, [aʊ], represents the diphthong or two vowel sounds that merge into one, which is commonly found in words like "ouch" and "out." The second sound is [t], followed by the third sound [haʊs], which represents the word "house." The spelling of "outhouse" may appear confusing, but understanding its phonetic transcription can assist in improving pronunciation and recognition of the word.

OUTHOUSE Meaning and Definition

  1. An outhouse is a small, usually single-room structure located outside of a main dwelling or building, specifically designed for use as a toilet or lavatory. It is typically a simple, rudimentary structure constructed with basic materials, such as wood or brick, and situated away from the main house for sanitary purposes. While outhouses are primarily associated with rural areas or older homes without indoor plumbing, they can be found in various settings worldwide.

    The interior of an outhouse generally consists of a small enclosed space, often containing a simple seat or hole over a pit or composting vault, where human waste is deposited. Outhouses may also include a privacy screen or door, a ventilation system, and sometimes a small window or skylight to allow for natural light to enter.

    Outhouses have been used throughout history as an alternative to indoor plumbing and can still be found in certain regions or circumstances where modern plumbing is limited or unavailable. Although typically associated with a rustic or antiquated lifestyle, some individuals or communities choose to maintain or construct outhouses for ecological reasons, as they can be more environmentally friendly and promote resource conservation.

    In summary, an outhouse is an outdoor structure designed as a basic toilet facility, composed of a small enclosed space with a seat or hole over a pit or composting vault, commonly associated with rural areas and older homes lacking indoor plumbing.

  2. A little house at a small distance from the main one.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OUTHOUSE

Etymology of OUTHOUSE

The word "outhouse" has Old English origins and can be broken down into two parts. The first part, "out", refers to being located outside or away from a main building or dwelling. The second part, "house", comes from Old English "hūs", which means a building or dwelling place. Therefore, "outhouse" originally referred to a small building or structure situated away from the main house. Over time, it specifically came to denote a small, typically primitive, building located outside the main dwelling and used as a toilet or lavatory.

Idioms with the word OUTHOUSE

  • built like a brick outhouse The idiom "built like a brick outhouse" is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally sturdy, strong, durable, or well-constructed. It implies that the subject is built to last or withstand challenging situations. The phrase often emphasizes the physical strength or resilience of an individual or an object.

Plural form of OUTHOUSE is OUTHOUSES

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