Definition

A deep hole in the ground used for collecting waste or sewage.

Example

The workers had to clean out the cesspit behind the old house.

Conversation

Did you hear about the old house they found near the park?

Yeah, I heard it used to have a cesspit in the backyard!

That's so creepy! I can't believe people used to live with that.

Right? I wonder how they dealt with it back in the day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cesspit → The word is formed from "cess" (from Latin *cessus*, meaning a going away or a yielding) and "pit" (from Old English *pytt*, meaning a hole or cavity). A cesspit is essentially a hole that yields waste, serving as a receptacle for sewage or refuse.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'hole' ('pit') that collects waste that has 'gone away' ('cess') — that's what a cesspit is.

Visually Confused Words