: 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.
Place the strawberries in a colander, and rinse them with cold water under the tap for several minutes. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 Lift the pasta out of the water with tongs or a slotted spoon (depending on the shape), or drain it in a colander — but not before saving some of that precious pasta water — and transfer it directly into the pot with the condimento. Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 Drain remaining peach mixture through colander set in large bowl. ABC News, 29 June 2026 Start by rinsing fresh, untreated rose petals in a colander. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 27 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a utensil with small holes for draining food

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