strainer

noun strain·er \ ˈstrā-nər \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of strainer

: 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

See strainer defined for English-language learners

See strainer defined for kids

Recent Examples of strainer from the Web

Pour liquid through strainer, using a rubber spatula to press liquid through until all pulp is strained.

— tara massouleh, AL.com, "Put these colorful acai bowls on your food bucket list," 4 Apr. 2018
With a fine-mesh strainer, separate solids from broth and discard.

— cheryl slocum, Country Living, "Food & Drinks," 1 Feb. 2011
When the peppercorns are room temperature, grind them as finely as possible with a spice grinder. Pour the ground Sichuan peppercorns through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "Recipe: Mapo Doufu," 27 Mar. 2018
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "There's more to Irish food than corned beef and cabbage. Irish Rover proves it," 13 Mar. 2018
Put the jewelry into a small strainer, and place it in the bowl to soak for about five minutes.

— lauren smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Clean Every Type of Jewelry," 9 Mar. 2018
Sure, some of them have epic beards, like Dallas Keuchel, Brian McCann, and Evan Gattis, but no one is sporting a soup strainer, a la Ned Flanders.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "The best mullets and moustaches in Houston Astros baseball history," 8 Mar. 2018
Set a fine-meshed strainer over the pot, and pour in the mushroom-leek stock, discarding the scraps.

— chris ross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Shiitake Barley Soup ladles up homemade comfort," 12 Mar. 2018
The muscular organs, which are encased in their lower jaw and can't move, squeeze mud through structures in the bird's bill called lamelle, which are like strainers that extract tiny prey.

— National Geographic, "Surprising Origin of American Flamingos Discovered," 10 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strainer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of strainer

14th century

in the meaning defined above

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STRAINER Defined for English Language Learners

strainer

noun

Definition of strainer for English Language Learners

: a kitchen device that has many small holes and that is used to hold back solid pieces while a liquid passes through

STRAINER Defined for Kids

strainer

noun strain·er \ ˈstrā-nər \

Definition of strainer for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

strainer

noun strain·er \ ˈstrā-nər \

medical Definition of strainer

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

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See words that rhyme with strainer Spanish Central: Translation of strainer Nglish: Translation of strainer for Spanish speakers

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strainer

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STRAINER Defined for English Language Learners

strainer

Definition of strainer for English Language Learners

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strainer

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strainer

medical Definition of strainer

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strainer

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First Known Use of strainer

STRAINER Defined for English Language Learners

strainer

Definition of strainer for English Language Learners

STRAINER Defined for Kids

strainer

Definition of strainer for Students

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