drawer

noun

draw·​er ˈdrȯ(-ə)r 

1

: one that draws: such as

a

: a person who causes liquor to come out of a container : one who draws (see draw entry 1 sense 1b) liquor

b

: draftsman

c

: one that draws (see draw entry 1 sense transitive 7) a bill of exchange or order for payment or makes a promissory note

2

dialectal also ˈdrȯ

: a sliding box or receptacle opened by pulling out and closed by pushing in

kept the letters in the top drawer of her dresser

in the silverware drawer

3

dialectal also ˈdrȯ

drawers plural : an article of clothing (such as underwear) for the lower body

a clean pair of drawers

drawerful

ˈdrȯ(-ə)r-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Examples of drawer in a Sentence

the top drawer of the desk

There are some pens in my desk drawer.

He stood there in only his drawers.

Recent Examples on the Web

After being fired by Michigan, Washtenaw County prosecutors say Moore went to the victim's apartment, barged his way in, proceeded to a kitchen drawer, and grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

The open shelf keeps decorations on display and TV remotes handy, while the two drawers underneath offer chic hiding spots for clutter when unexpected guests stop by. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

The three drawers are spacious, and the top is ideal for decor like a lamp and storing oft reached-for items. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Cutting Boards An oven drawer is ideal for storing flat cookware and bakeware, but cutting boards don't belong in that category. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English drawer, draghere, from drawen "to draw entry 1" + -er, -ere -er entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing drawer

• bottom drawer
• top drawer

Rhymes for drawer

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

drawer

noun

draw·​er ˈdrȯ(-ə)r 

1

: one that draws

2

: a sliding boxlike compartment (as in a desk)

3

plural : an undergarment for the lower part of the body

Legal Definition

drawer

noun

draw·​er ˈdrȯ-ər 

: the party that draws a draft compare drawee, payee