colander

noun

col·​an·​der ˈkä-lən-dər How to pronounce colander (audio) ˈkə- How to pronounce colander (audio)
: 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.
To quickly defrost frozen peas, place them in a colander and run warm water over them. Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 The set includes four colander-like bowls in different colors, including tan, brown, green, and tan. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold running water to flush away remaining particles. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 Wash blueberries right before eating by rinsing them with water in a colander and drying them. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

colander

noun
col·​an·​der ˈkəl-ən-dər How to pronounce colander (audio) ˈkäl- How to pronounce colander (audio)
: a utensil with small holes for draining food

More from Merriam-Webster on colander

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