All we know for sure is that scupper meant "to ambush and massacre" in 19th-century military slang. Then, just before the century turned, it found its place in a magazine story in the sense of simply …

SCUPPER definition: a drain at the edge of a deck exposed to the weather, for allowing accumulated water to drain away into the sea or into the bilges. See examples of scupper used in a sentence.

scupper verb [T] (SPOIL) to cause something such as a plan or an opportunity to fail:

1. To sink (a ship) deliberately; scuttle. 2. To thwart or ruin: scupper a business deal. 3. Chiefly British To overwhelm or massacre.

Attempts to escape through the windows were scuppered by the grills that covered them. He did not specify who was attempting to scupper the accord. Members of these benches chose to try to …

Feb 5, 2025 · Scuppers provide a pathway for water to flow through parapet walls or any other raised edge around a roof, such as gravel stop edge metal. They are commonly used in both primary and …

Jul 17, 2025 · A roof scupper is an opening built into the perimeter wall or parapet of a roof that allows rainwater to exit. The water flows through the scupper and is either directed into a downspout, …

Sep 18, 2025 · Understanding scuppers helps prevent ponding, leaks, and structural damage. Scuppers provide a direct path for water to leave a roof and are often paired with downspouts, scupper boxes, …

/ˈskʌpər/ IPA guide Other forms: scuppers; scuppered; scuppering Definitions of scupper noun drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard see more

Definition of scupper. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.