septic tank

American  

[sep-tik tangk] / ˈsɛp tɪk ˌtæŋk /

noun

1. a tank, often underground, in which organic sewage is decomposed and purified by anaerobic bacteria.

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septic tank British  

noun

1. a tank, usually below ground, for containing sewage to be decomposed by anaerobic bacteria

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Etymology

Origin of septic tank

First recorded in 1900–05

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

septic tank

Decommissioning his old cesspool and buying the new septic tank already cost almost $10,000, he said, and installation and testing could easily triple that.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

At one point, the cave faced a potential threat when someone attempted to develop the land and convert the cave into a septic tank.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 3, 2026

The science shows the pollution problem in Lough Neagh comes largely from agriculture, with some from wastewater processing, septic tank seepage and industrial pollution around the shores.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2025

A staffer from lead contractor ECC asks for important property details: Are there septic tank lids or propane tanks that need to be avoided?

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2025

They stretched out in the middle of the road, flat on their backs, not wanting to miss anything should one of my celebrity friends decide to drop by and help me dig the septic tank.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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Related Words

• cesspool
• sewer

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