strainer

noun

strain·​er ˈstrā-nər How to pronounce strainer (audio)
: 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 The trick to making smooth hummus involves using a fine mesh strainer to mash the navy beans and remove the skins. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Feb. 2024 Note: To blanch the mustard seeds, place them in a small fine-mesh strainer. Bonnie S. Benwick, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Pour the liquid butter through a fine wire-mesh strainer, lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, and discard the solids. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2023 The water in his bathroom sink was plentiful and warm, the dinnerware — bowls, spoons, cups, strainer (the man has an appetite) — suitably soiled. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 Mash beans through a fine strainer to remove skins. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Feb. 2024 First off, use sink strainers and regularly clean any debris from strainers and throw it in the trash (a mesh screen is best for catching hair in the shower). Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023 The five-piece tool set with stand includes a strainer, stirrer, double jigger, bottle opener and knife, plus an ice bucket, cocktail shaker and 14-inch round tray. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Whereas black-bellies are primarily grazers, the fulvous whistling ducks often filter feed—similar to northern shovelers—by using their sensitive bills as strainers in their quest for small seeds. M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strainer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of strainer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near strainer

Cite this Entry

“Strainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strainer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

strainer

noun
strain·​er ˈstrā-nər How to pronounce strainer (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce strainer (audio)
: a device (as a sieve) to retain solid pieces while a liquid passes through

More from Merriam-Webster on strainer

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