verb / noun

drain

DRAYN/dreɪn/

To carry liquid away until a container is depleted.

Water drains from the basin through its open outlet into the container.

Water leaves a tilted basin through its open drain into a container, visibly lowering the basin level; no plumbing instructions.

Etymology

drainOld Englishto draw off gradually; strain out

The Old English verb described drawing liquid off gradually or straining it out. Removing liquid thus preserves the word’s original practical sense of making something dry.

In context

WebstaurantStore1:03

After the cherries have soaked for 24 hours, drain them into a jar.

Bartending Essentials: How to Make Maraschino Cherries

More examples

Let the tank drain completely before you move it.
A clogged drain leaves dirty water standing in the sink.
Unexpected repairs drain our savings.

Forms

drain · drains · drained · draining

drainage noun — The process of carrying excess liquid away.

Similar words

empty: Emphasizes removing all contents, whether liquid or solid.
siphon: Specifically draws liquid through a tube using pressure differences.