strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: one that strains: such as

a

: a device (such as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through

b

: any of various devices for stretching or tightening something

Examples of strainer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drain the spinach in a fine-mesh strainer over the sink. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 8 June 2026

Auoon Clip-On Pot Strainer This clever clip-on pot strainer takes up less space in the cabinet and the dishwasher, and makes quick work of straining pasta water, washing fruit and vegetables, and more. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026

Use a hair catcher or strainer to catch debris that can clog the drain, and clean it often. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 30 May 2026

Fusaro, for example, created a series of objects—including a bowl, strainer, and trivet—that appear to be made from a mosaic of hyperrealistic pasta pieces, which are cast in bronze. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for strainer

• gainer
• plainer
• planar
• planer
• saner
• stainer
• trainer
• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• container
• coplanar

Kids Definition

strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: one that strains

especially : a device (as a screen or filter) to hold solid pieces while a liquid passes through

Medical Definition

strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər 

: a device (as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through