draw on

British  

verb

1. (intr, preposition) to use or exploit (a source, fund, etc)

   to draw on one's experience

2. (intr, adverb) to come near

   the time for his interview drew on

3. (tr, preposition) to withdraw (money) from (an account)

4. (tr, adverb) to put on (clothes)

5. (tr, adverb) to lead further; entice or encourage

   the prospect of nearing his goal drew him on

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draw on Idioms  

1. Approach, as in As evening draws on, we'll make our way back to the house . [First half of 1500s]

2. Put on a piece of clothing, as in She drew on her gloves . [Early 1700s]

3. Also, draw upon . Make use of something or someone. For example, This dictionary draws on many different sources , or The chairman was good at drawing upon the various members for their expertise . [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

draw on

They can draw on ideas from different areas of mathematics, combining them in a novel way to prove astonishing results.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 6, 2026

Developers of eCPs should be able to draw on the extensive prior knowledge already generated by the original large-molecule biologic during its own approval process, rather than starting from scratch.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

But the latest tariffs on Canada draw on a different presidential power, which permits “new or additional duties” on any country that “discriminates in fact against the commerce of the United States.”

From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026

"We need to draw on the knowledge of the people who once worked here, those who understand how the saltwork breathes," he said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

I’d lock myself in my room, listen to music, and draw on things.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi