cul-de-sac

[kuhl-duh-sak, -sak, kool-, kyd^uh-sak]

noun

plural

culs-de-sac 

1. a street, lane, etc., closed at one end; blind alley; dead-end street.

2. any situation in which further progress is impossible.

3. the hemming in of a military force on all sides except behind.

4. Anatomy.,  a saclike cavity, tube, or the like, open only at one end, as the cecum.

cul-de-sac

/ ˈkʌldəˌsæk, ˈkʊl- /

noun

1. a road with one end blocked off; dead end

2. an inescapable position

3. any tube-shaped bodily cavity or pouch closed at one end, such as the caecum

Word History and Origins

Origin of cul-de-sac¹

1730–40; < French: literally, bottom of the sack

Word History and Origins

Origin of cul-de-sac¹

C18: from French, literally: bottom of the bag

Example Sentences

Built in 1995 and set on 0.83 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the property offers the best of waterfront luxury on one of North Carolina’s most sought-after destinations—which also happens to be the state’s largest man-made lake.

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They live on a cul-de-sac in Albuquerque, the city where “Breaking Bad” and “Saul” were set — but don’t expect a crossover.

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The property is a part of the private neighborhood known as Bay Colony and sits on a cul-de-sac with 170 feet of water frontage.

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Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac, this brand-new, modern home epitomizes luxury.

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TV royalty Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson were among the cast members who returned to the famous Liverpool cul-de-sac for a special crossover episode to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks, also produced by Lime Pictures.

Read more on BBC