verb \ˈdrān\

: to remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out

of a container : to become empty of a liquid

of a liquid : to flow into, away from, or out of something

Full Definition of DRAIN

transitive verb
obsolete :  filter
a :  to draw off (liquid) gradually or completely <drained all the water out>
b :  to cause the gradual disappearance of <drain the region's wealth>
c :  to exhaust physically or emotionally <feeling drained at the end of a long workday>
a :  to make gradually dry <drain a swamp>
b :  to carry away the surface water of <the river that drains the valley>
c :  to deplete or empty by or as if by drawing off by degrees or in increments <drained the country of its resources>
d :  to empty by drinking the contents of <drain a mug of beer>
:  drop 7c, sink <drained the putt>
intransitive verb
a :  to flow off gradually
b :  to disappear gradually :  dwindle
:  to become emptied or freed of liquid by its flowing or dropping <waiting for the tub to drain>
:  to discharge surface or surplus water
drain·er noun

Examples of DRAIN

  1. Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
  2. The swamp has been drained.
  3. I was waiting for the bathtub to drain.
  4. The river drains into a lake.
  5. Years of civil war have drained the country's resources.
  6. The city's emergency fund has been drained.
  7. I feel totally drained of energy this evening.

Origin of DRAIN

Middle English draynen, from Old English drēahnian — more at dry
First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DRAIN



: something (such as a pipe) that is used for removing a liquid from a place or container

: something that uses a lot of time, money, etc.

Full Definition of DRAIN

:  a means (as a pipe) by which usually liquid matter is drained
a :  the act of draining
b :  a gradual outflow or withdrawal :  depletion
:  something that causes depletion :  burden
:  an electrode in a field-effect transistor toward which charge carriers move — compare gate, source
down the drain
:  to a state of being wasted or irretrievably lost

Examples of DRAIN

  1. The drain in the bathtub is blocked.

First Known Use of DRAIN



Next Word in the Dictionary: drainagePrevious Word in the Dictionary: drail (verb)All Words Near: drain
March 31, 2015
refluent Hear it
Flowing back
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