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

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. —Hailee Catalano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 22 Jan. 2026

By filtering the grammar of naturalism through a fine mesh strainer until all that remains are skeletal forms and eerie compositional croppings, Schjerfbeck forces your eye toward an occluded or trivial detail. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026

While still in the strainer, toss with 1 tablespoon oil. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 18 Jan. 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