noun
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a sieve used for straining sauces, vegetables, tea, etc
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a gauze or simple filter used to strain liquids
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a self-locking device or a tool for tightening fencing wire
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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
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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.
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Prepare the canned beans by pouring the contents into a strainer over the sink.
From Salon ● Feb. 7, 2026
This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon.
From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2024
Canned tomatillos make the prep go quickly, but be sure to crush and drain them in a strainer over a bowl before using them.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 25, 2023
Roll them before juicing, use a reamer if you have it and use a fine-mesh strainer to catch seeds.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2023
I watch as she spoons loose tea into a strainer and pours the boiling water over it into two cups.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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
Their bodies can become caught against underwater thickets of tree branches and debris, called strainers, which can make it difficult to find them until the waters recede.
From New York Times ● Jun. 26, 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
An assortment of pots and pans hang from hooks on the wooden studs next to ladles and strainers and big boxes of breakfast cereal, which must come from Costco.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
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