dustheap

[ duhst-heep ]

/ ˈdʌstˌhip /

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noun

a heap or pile of rubbish, refuse, or the like.

oblivion; obscurity; disregard; disuse: He was consigned to the dustheap after many years of public service.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of dustheap

First recorded in 1645–55; dust + heap

As they fell, they were relegated to the nearest dustheap, and their places remained vacant.
The Great North Road: London to York|Charles G. Harper
Perhaps even then you will agree with us and admire many a seedling that the hidebound fancier would consign to the dustheap.
The Children's Book of Gardening|Mrs. Alfred Sidgwick
So they threw it on a dustheap where the dead Swallow was also lying.
Children's Literature|Charles Madison Curry
Amongst other things we spoke of the affairs of "The Dustheap," a little Club of which we were both members.
Punch, or The London Charivari, Volume 101, October 31, 1891|Various

Finally the gazelle dies of sorrow, and Sultan Darai dreams that he is scratching on his old dustheap.
Popular Tales|Charles Perrault