draw out

verb

drew out; drawn out; drawing out; draws out

transitive verb

1
2
: to extend beyond a minimum in time : protract sense 1
3
: to cause to speak freely
a reporter's ability to draw a person out

Examples of draw out in a Sentence

the actor refused to draw out the interview any further
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.
The play draws out the distinctiveness of the grandparents by ratcheting up their zingy eccentricities. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 Two sides abandon all perspective, politicians fail to broker between them, a sclerotic legal system draws out the stalemate, and the result is status quo, plus an infuriating escalation of costs. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 June 2025 Typically makeup stains can be very difficult to remove, but Vaseline helps draw out the oils in makeup better than other removers. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 June 2025 The wind slowed down and the temperature heated up on Saturday, getting up over 85 degrees in the early afternoon – perfect weather to draw out the birdies. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for draw out

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of draw out was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Draw out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draw%20out. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

draw out

verb
1
: to cause to last longer than usual
2
: to cause or encourage to speak freely
tried to draw the shy child out

More from Merriam-Webster on draw out

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