drains; drained; draining
1
a
: to remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out
Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
The swamp has been drained.
—often + fromDrain the fat/grease from the pan.
We have to drain some water from the pool.
b
of a container
: to become empty of a liquid
I was waiting for the bathtub to drain.
The sink won't drain.
c
of a liquid
: to flow into, away from, or out of something
The river drains into a lake.
The blood/color drained from her face. [=she got pale]
2
a
: to cause (something) to lose something important
—+ of
Years of civil war have drained the country of its resources. [=have used up the country's resources]
Overuse has drained the phrase of all meaning.
b
: to slowly be used up or to cause (something) to slowly be used up
Years of civil war have drained the country's resources.
The city's emergency fund has been drained.
—usually + awayShe felt her anger drain away.
3
: to make (someone) very physically or mentally tired
The work drained [=exhausted] me.
I feel totally drained of energy this evening.
Her work is very draining. [=tiring]
4
: to drink all of the liquid in (something)
He drained the mug and left.
5
US, sports, informal
: to make (a successful shot) in a very skillful and impressive way
(basketball) She took a long jump shot and drained it.
(golf) He drained the putt for a birdie.
plural drains
1
: something (such as a pipe) that is used for removing a liquid from a place or container
He poured the spoiled milk down/into the drain. [=(Brit) plughole]
The drain in the bathtub/sink is blocked/clogged.
(chiefly Brit) They are repairing the drains. [=sewer system]
2
: something that uses a lot of time, money, etc.
—usually singular —usually + on
Tuition costs are a drain on the family income.
The war has been a big drain on the country's resources.
Cite this Entry
“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/drain. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
