English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word drain in English

What does drain mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

drain

US /dreɪn/
UK /dreɪn/
"drain" picture

Verb

1.

cause the liquid to run out of (something); empty of liquid

Example:
•
She drained the pasta in a colander.
•
The bathtub drains slowly.
Synonym:
emptycleardraw offpump outsiphon off
2.

deplete or exhaust (resources, a supply, etc.)

Example:
•
The long illness drained his energy.
•
The constant demands drained her patience.
Synonym:
exhaustdepleteuse upconsumesap

Noun

1.

a channel or pipe carrying off surplus liquid, especially rainwater or liquid waste

Example:
•
The water flowed down the drain.
•
The plumber had to clear a blockage in the kitchen drain.
Synonym:
ductchannelconduitpipesewer
2.

a cause of continuous depletion of a resource

Example:
•
The old car was a constant drain on his finances.
•
High taxes are a major drain on household income.
Synonym:
burdenstrainloadpressuretax
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Related Word:
draineddraining