drawer

noun

draw·​er ˈdrȯ(-ə)r How to pronounce drawer (audio)
1
: one that draws: such as
a
: a person who causes liquor to come out of a container : one who draws (see draw entry 1 sense 1b) liquor
b
c
: one that draws (see draw entry 1 sense transitive 7) a bill of exchange or order for payment or makes a promissory note
2
 dialectal also  ˈdrȯ
: a sliding box or receptacle opened by pulling out and closed by pushing in
kept the letters in the top drawer of her dresser
in the silverware drawer
3
 dialectal also  ˈdrȯ
drawers plural : an article of clothing (such as underwear) for the lower body
a clean pair of drawers
drawerful noun

Examples of drawer in a Sentence

the top drawer of the desk There are some pens in my desk drawer. He stood there in only his drawers.
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.
If time allows, remove all items from the cabinets and drawers, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025 Featuring two drawers and two cabinets, there’s plenty of room for all of your tablescape styling pieces, and then some. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025 Tarek also made sure to highlight the accent lighting installed in the cabinets, drawers and lining the floors. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 If organized smartly, a small pantry with pull-out drawers can be just as functional as a walk-in pantry. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drawer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English drawer, draghere, from drawen "to draw entry 1" + -er, -ere -er entry 2

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drawer was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drawer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawer. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

drawer

noun
draw·​er ˈdrȯ(-ə)r How to pronounce drawer (audio)
1
: one that draws
2
: a sliding boxlike compartment (as in a desk)
3
plural : an undergarment for the lower part of the body

Legal Definition

drawer

noun
draw·​er ˈdrȯ-ər How to pronounce drawer (audio)
: the party that draws a draft compare drawee, payee

More from Merriam-Webster on drawer

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