ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pouring

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈpɔɹɪŋ// UK //pˈɔːɹɪŋ// pour·ing
  1. 1 flowing or serving liquid (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the act of making a liquid flow out of a container.

    the continuous and steady transfer of a liquid from a container into another vessel or onto a surface.

    Example

    She was pouring the hot tea into the cups when the phone rang.

    Example

    The waiter was expertly pouring the vintage wine into the decanter, ensuring that no sediment disturbed the clarity of the liquid.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'into' or 'out of'
  2. 2 raining heavily (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    raining very hard.

    precipitating intensely and continuously.

    Example

    It was pouring with rain, so we decided to stay inside and watch a movie.

    Example

    It has been pouring down since dawn, causing the local river to rise dangerously close to the bridge's foundations.

    Usage

    frequently used with 'down' or in the phrase 'it is pouring'
    • drizzling
  3. 3 the act of pouring (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the action of letting a liquid flow out.

    the physical act or instance of dispensing a liquid or granular substance.

    Example

    The careful pouring of the chemicals is the most important part of the experiment.

    Example

    The steady pouring of the molten steel into the moulds created a spectacular display of sparks across the factory floor.
  4. 4 intense rain (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to describe rain that is falling very hard.

    describing rainfall characterized by high intensity and volume.

    Example

    We got soaked to the bone in the pouring rain.

    Example

    The match was eventually abandoned due to the pouring rain, which had turned the pitch into a muddy swamp within minutes.

Last updated June 20, 2026