strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: one that strains: such as

a

: a device (such as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through

b

: any of various devices for stretching or tightening something

Examples of strainer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drain the spinach in a fine-mesh strainer over the sink. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 8 June 2026

Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. — Georgina Hayden, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 June 2026

Transfer to a bowl and set a fine mesh strainer over the top. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 26 May 2026

Use a hair catcher or strainer to catch debris that can clog the drain, and clean it often. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for strainer

• gainer
• plainer
• planar
• planer
• saner
• stainer
• trainer
• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• container
• coplanar

Kids Definition

strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: one that strains

especially : a device (as a screen or filter) to hold solid pieces while a liquid passes through

Medical Definition

strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: a device (as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through