Word Noun
sieve
n.
countable
C2 Proficiency US /ˈsɪv/ UK /sˈɪv/ sieve UK spelling sieve's, sieve's
Definition
n.a tool with a mesh bottom used for separating small pieces from a liquid or powder.
n.a utensil with a meshed bottom used for straining or sifting; figuratively, a person or process that filters out specific elements from a larger group.
Examples
“She used a sieve to drain the pasta after it was cooked.”
“The manager acts as a sieve, filtering out every minor complaint before it reaches the board of directors.”
“In a crowded market, the most effective marketing strategies serve as a sieve, identifying the most qualified leads while filtering out those with no genuine interest in the product.”
Real-world usage
“Around 50 children, young people and adults took part in washing, sieving and sorting approximately half a tonne (1,100 pounds) of sediment from level 4.”
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Occasional
Updated