: a long narrow excavation dug in the earth (as for drainage)
ditched; ditching; ditches
1
a
: to surround with a long narrow cavity in the earth : to enclose with a ditch (see ditch entry 1)
The pasture was hedged and ditched.
b
: to dig a ditch in
2
aviation
: to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water
successfully ditched the plane
Examples of ditch in a Sentence
Noun
He drove the car into the ditch.
after skidding on the ice, our car went right into the ditch
Verb
The thief ditched the purse in an alley.
They ditched the car in a vacant lot.
They ditched me at the concert.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
Here’s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
Averi Baudler, People.com, 31 May 2025
Sunrun shares have plunged nearly 26% this year and more than 52% over the past year, as traders ditch clean energy names under the Trump administration.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ditch
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
Here’s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
Verb
Join Amazon shoppers in ditching their name-brand sneakers for these comfortable pairs of running shoes starting at $43.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 31 May 2025
Sunrun shares have plunged nearly 26% this year and more than 52% over the past year, as traders ditch clean energy names under the Trump administration.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ditch
Cite this Entry
“Ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ditch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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