sieve

1 of 2

noun

ˈsiv 

: a device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (as of ashes, flour, or sand) of various sizes may be passed to separate them from coarser ones, through which the liquid may be drained from liquid-containing material, or through which soft materials may be forced for reduction to fine particles

sieve

2 of 2

verb

sieved; sieving

: sift

Examples of sieve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To rinse, simply place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve or colander (make sure the holes are small enough that the grains won’t fall through) and rinse under cool water for about 30 seconds. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026

The Patriots have been a postseason pass-blocking sieve, allowing five sacks in each of their three playoff games. —Kc Joyner, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Verb

The mixture is then sieved to produce a smooth, drinkable liquid. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

The combine then automatically calibrates variables like rotor speed, fan speed and sieve clearances to produce those outcomes. —Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sive, from Old English sife; akin to Old High German sib sieve

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sieve

• have a memory/mind like a sieve
• molecular sieve
• sieve of Eratosthenes
• sieve plate
• sieve tube

Rhymes for sieve

• give
• corroborative
• determinative
• forgive
• ogive
• outlive
• relive
• germinative
• transformative
• resistive

Kids Definition

sieve

1 of 2 noun

ˈsiv 

: a device with meshes or holes to separate finer particles from coarser ones or solids from liquids

sieve

2 of 2 verb

sieved; sieving

: to put through a sieve : sift

sieve the tomatoes to remove the seeds