WordGarden.iodrain
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /drˈeɪn/
US
- /ˈdreɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to remove liquid from something or let liquid flow away
to use up or reduce energy, money, or another resource
to remove fluid from a wound, swelling, or body cavity
Noun
a pipe, channel, or opening that carries water or waste liquid away
something that steadily uses up money, energy, or resources
Beyond the definition
Think of water swirling down a sink - that's a drain in action. But "drain" is not just about plumbing. It can mean letting liquid flow out, like when you drain pasta or drain water from a tub. It can also mean using up energy, money, or strength. A long illness can drain your energy, and a hard week can leave you feeling drained. As a noun, a drain is the opening or pipe that carries liquid away.
The word "drain" has several related meanings, and most of them center on the idea of letting something flow out or using something up. Most literally, a drain is an opening or pipe that lets liquid flow away, such as in a sink, shower, or street. "The plumber fixed the clogged drain in the kitchen."
But "drain" extends beyond just water. As a verb, it means to empty liquid from something: "She drained the pasta after boiling." It also describes removing something unwanted or undesirable: "They drained the swamp to eliminate the breeding ground for mosquitoes."
More figuratively, "drain" can mean to deplete someone's energy, resources, or emotional strength. A difficult situation might drain your patience, a long illness could drain your vitality, and constant demands at work can drain your motivation. "The argument completely drained her emotionally." You might even say something is a "drain on resources," meaning it uses up valuable assets.
Finally, "drain" can refer to the act of drawing off or siphoning something. For example, "The company was accused of draining funds from its subsidiaries."
So whether you're talking about plumbing, energy levels, unwanted material, or financial resources, "drain" usually means to carry away, remove, or use up something over time.
Examples
- 1
Food preparation
After you boil the pasta, drain it well before adding the sauce.
- 2
Pool maintenance
They drained the pool so the workers could fix a crack in the bottom.
- 3
Bathroom plumbing
Hair was blocking the shower drain again.
- 4
Battery power
My phone battery drains quickly in cold weather.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Exhaustion
The heat and noise of the festival really drained me.
- 6
Money loss
Rising rent has drained most of their savings.
- 7
Physical reaction
The color drained from his face when he read the message.
- 8
Time burden
The extra paperwork has become a drain on everyone's time.
- Patterna drain on + time/money/energy
something that uses too much of it
- 9
Skilled workers
The government wants to stop the brain drain by offering better pay to young scientists.
- Phrasebrain drain
the loss of skilled people to other countries or companies
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- drainnounverb
Forms
- drainedpast tenseverbnoun
- draining-ing formverbnoun
- drainspluralnounverb