sieve

[siv]

noun

1. an instrument with a meshed or perforated bottom, used for separating coarse from fine parts of loose matter, for straining liquids, etc., especially one with a circular frame and fine meshes or perforations.

2. a person who cannot keep a secret.

verb (used with or without object)

sieved, sieving 

1. to put or force through a sieve; sift.

sieve

/ sɪv /

noun

1. a device for separating lumps from powdered material, straining liquids, grading particles, etc, consisting of a container with a mesh or perforated bottom through which the material is shaken or poured

2. rare,  a person who gossips and spreads secrets

3. a very poor memory

verb

1. to pass or cause to pass through a sieve

2. to separate or remove (lumps, materials, etc) by use of a sieve

Other Word Forms

• sievelike adjective
• unsieved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sieve¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English sive, Old English sife; cognate with Dutch zeef, German Sieb; sift

Word History and Origins

Origin of sieve¹

Old English sife; related to Old Norse sef reed with hollow stalk, Old High German sib sieve, Dutch zeef

Example Sentences

The average American home is about as airtight and well-insulated as a metal sieve.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mrs. Clarke dug into each bag with a tin flour scoop and a sieve.

Read more on Literature

"The cover saved me a lot because after the Russian attack the car looked like a sieve."

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“This place leaks like a sieve,” he answered.

Read more on Salon

A miracle required when your defence is populated by jittery players and leaks like a sieve.

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Related Words

• colander