draw on
Britishverb
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(intr, preposition) to use or exploit (a source, fund, etc)
to draw on one's experience
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(intr, adverb) to come near
the time for his interview drew on
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(tr, preposition) to withdraw (money) from (an account)
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(tr, adverb) to put on (clothes)
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(tr, adverb) to lead further; entice or encourage
the prospect of nearing his goal drew him on
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Approach, as in As evening draws on, we'll make our way back to the house . [First half of 1500s]
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Put on a piece of clothing, as in She drew on her gloves . [Early 1700s]
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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]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
AFP has a deal with Mistral allowing the company's chatbot to draw on the news agency's articles to formulate responses.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
Did you draw on your own experience in academia for “Rooster”?
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Sinner's path to the Coupe des Mousquetaires is already without one major obstacle because Alcaraz is absent - and seeds tumbled in his half of the draw on Tuesday.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
In other words, the market has had backup supplies to draw on.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
Clare would have to draw on every ounce of cunning, patience, and poise.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
