draw on

verb

drew on; drawn on; drawing on; draws on

intransitive verb

: approach

night draws on

transitive verb

: bring on, cause

Synonyms

• cause
• create
• bring
• generate
• prompt
• do
• produce
• work

Examples of draw on in a Sentence

the general's imprudent remarks drew on a public rebuke by the secretary of defense

night draws on, so we should hurry home

Recent Examples on the Web

The yacht also has a special air-conditioning system—often one the largest power draws on a vessel—that regulates how much cool air is delivered across the yacht, depending on whether the rooms are occupied or not. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

The new study examined multiple measures of labor market disruption, drawing on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on job losses, spells of unemployment, and shifts in broader occupational composition. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

In this recipe, country music star Lainey Wilson draws on her Louisiana roots, rolling the regional sausage into balls before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying until crispy on the outside, but still tender inside. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

Mikael Owunna’s photographs from his Infinite Essence series, which draw on Igbo and Dogon cosmologies, depict luminous bodies suspended in celestial grandeur. —Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for draw on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

draw on

verb

: to come closer : approach

as night drew on