Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
closet auger

closet auger

9.5
A plumbing tool with a long flexible shaft and a crank handle used to clear toilet clogs
  • noun
  • /ˈklɒzɪt ˈɔːɡər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : serpiente de plomería
  • The plumber used a closet auger to remove the blockage from the toilet.

Examples

  • The plumber used a closet auger to clear the blockage.

  • I bought a new closet auger for my plumbing toolbox.

  • After several attempts with a plunger, I finally cleared the toilet using a closet auger.

  • It is a good idea to have a closet auger handy for stubborn clogs.

  • It is a good idea to have a closet auger handy for stubborn clogs.

  • After several attempts with a plunger, I finally cleared the toilet using a closet auger.

  • The plumber used a closet auger to remove the blockage from the toilet.

Synonyms

plunger
vscloset auger
18 2.8

A tool with a handle and rubber cup used to clear clogs in drains

relies on a flexible shaft and crank to break toilet clogs mechanically
auger
vscloset auger
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A long flexible metal tool for clearing blockages in curved pipes

is made specifically for toilets and includes a crank handle
plumber's snake
vscloset auger
  • US
1 5.2

A long flexible metal tool for clearing clogs in pipes

is tailored for toilet use with a flexible shaft and crank handle
trap-and-drain auger
vscloset auger
  • Specialized
8.8

A tool with a long flexible wire that clears blockages in drains

is focused on toilet blockages and includes a crank for rotation
rodder
vscloset auger
  • UK
8.2

A machine that clears blockages in pipes by pushing and turning a long rod

uses a flexible shaft and hand crank instead of pushing a rigid rod
plumber's helper
vscloset auger
  • Archaic
4.1

A stick with a rubber cup used to clear blockages in drains

works by rotating a shaft with a crank instead of using suction

Surface Forms

closet auger singular
closet augers plural

Morphology

closet + auger

The compound is compositionally transparent: 'closet' (here meaning a small/private lavatory) combined with 'auger' (a tool for clearing pipe blockages) yields a tool for clearing toilet blockages. A B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer this literal, instrumentive sense, though note 'closet' = 'toilet' is somewhat regional/older vocabulary.

Etymology

The noun closet auger comes from the old name closet for a toilet ('water closet') and auger, a long, bendy metal tool with a crank used to reach and pull out clogs. So the name pictures a tool for clearing a blocked toilet, which is why it means 'a tool for clearing toilet clogs'.