noun
-
a sieve used for straining sauces, vegetables, tea, etc
-
a gauze or simple filter used to strain liquids
-
a self-locking device or a tool for tightening fencing wire
-
the main post in a wire fence, often diagonally braced
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of strainer
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at strain 1, -er 1
Compare meaning
How does strainer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
See Examples For:
Prepare the canned beans by pouring the contents into a strainer over the sink.
From Salon ● Feb. 7, 2026
For ultra-smooth texture, pass the purée through a fine-mesh strainer — an optional step, but one that brings a dish firmly into restaurant territory.
From Salon ● May 16, 2025
While their treatment of the ancient world is informed, to say the least, by their prior work, the scenario also feels like Hallmark pulped through a Disney strainer.
From New York Times ● Nov. 9, 2023
In a kitchen blender, puree the watermelon well, and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 22, 2023
Conner took out a strainer and an extra bowl.
From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence
Special strainers for grating and juicing tomatoes gained a place among kitchen furnishings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025
Hand crank and electric tomato presses, strainers and sauce makers allow gardeners to separate the skins and seeds from the tomato meat for quicker and easier processing.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 13, 2023
He wants to go back to tea pits, tea cups, tea strainers and "those all-omitting tea timers".
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2023
James recommends silicone strainers over metal ones, because they don’t rust or retain stains, and they won’t scratch your sink’s surface.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 23, 2021
Albert was cleaning out the teacups on the table in front of the sofa and laying tea strainers across the tops.
From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
