cul-de-sac

American  

[kuhl-duh-sak, -sak, kool-, kyd^uh-sak] / ˈkʌl dəˈsæk, -ˌsæk, ˈkʊl-, küdəˈsak /

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.

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cul-de-sac British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cul-de-sac

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

Example Sentences

This wrenching documentary takes place on a Florida cul-de-sac where kids play outside from dawn till dusk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

The low-slung, ranch-style build is nestled at the end of a peaceful, private cul-de-sac surrounded by equestrian trails.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

"The car then leaves Picketts Road and turns into the next road, Park Avenue, a cul-de-sac, giving a clear indication that this individual is seeking to remain close," Ledward said.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

When Ecklund continued, he said, the agent led him past Ecklund’s own house on a cul-de-sac.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

Martin lives at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of those leafy neighborhoods off Creekside Drive.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli