colander

noun

col·​an·​der ˈkä-lən-dər  ˈkə- 

: a perforated utensil for washing or draining food

Examples of colander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Drain well in a colander, then return the grains to the empty pot. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Jowett suggests placing berries in a colander and gently moving them under cool running water rather than soaking them in a bowl. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for colander

• solander

Kids Definition

colander

noun

col·​an·​der ˈkəl-ən-dər  ˈkäl- 

: a utensil with small holes for draining food