Etymology

There are two etymological paths whose accuracy and possible interrelation are not conclusively established.

• Schlucht is most readily explained as a Middle Low German form of the archaic High German equivalent Schluft, with the Low German development of -ft- → -cht- (cf. Nichte). Schluft pertains to the verb schliefen ‎(“to slip, to move through”). This etymology is favoured by most authorities, although they seem to be unable of attesting the Middle Low German word.
• There is an Upper German attestation of Middle High German wazzersluht or possibly -slůht (“water-filled ditch”), which is in line with similar words in modern Upper German dialects. Some of these words also mean “cut-off branch” and may pertain to schlagen ‎(“to hew”). The sense of “ditch” might be derived from “branch”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʃlʊχt/
• Rhymes: -ʊχt