cul-de-sac
noun
ˈkəl-di-ˌsak
ˈku̇l-;
ˌkəl-di-ˈsak,
ˌku̇l-
plural cul-de-sacs
ˈkəl-di-ˌsaks
ˈku̇l-;
ˌkəl-di-ˈsaks,
ˌku̇l-
also culs-de-sac
ˈkəl(z)-di-ˌsak
ˈku̇l(z)-;
ˌkəl(z)-di-ˈsak,
ˌku̇l(z)-
1
: a blind diverticulum or pouch
2
: a street or passage closed at one end
Our house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac.
3
: a fruitless or mistaken course or direction
If your job is a cul-de-sac, you have to quit or accept the fact that your career is over.—Seth Godin
Cite this Entry
“Cul-de-sac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cul-de-sac. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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