: a perforated utensil for washing or draining food

Examples of colander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drain the oxtails in a colander, rinse under cold running water, and trim off any remaining clotted blood or excess fat with kitchen shears. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 The only problem is… that entire plan has more holes that a freakin’ colander. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2026 Using tongs, transfer kale to a colander and rinse under cold running water, tossing; squeeze out excess liquid from leaves. — Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Drain the corn into a large colander set in the sink when the timer goes off. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colander

Word History

Etymology

Middle English colyndore, probably modification of Old Occitan colador, from Medieval Latin colatorium, from Latin colare to sieve, from colum sieve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colander was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a utensil with small holes for draining food
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster