English Reference

Word

sieve

US/ˈsɪv/

UK/sˈɪv/

Countable noun

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.”

Examples

simple

“She used a sieve to drain the pasta after it was cooked.”

contextual

“The manager acts as a sieve, filtering out every minor complaint before it reaches the board of directors.”

complex

“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 Examples

“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.”
Phys.org 7 Sept 2026
“Sieve the ground rice to remove any lumps or unprocessed grains.”
BBC 7 Nov 2023
“Nate can be found most days sieving the brooks around the town of Jamestown, guiding groups of hobbyists and curious tourists as part of his family’s California Gold Panning business.”
National Geographic 31 Aug 2023

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C2 · Proficiency
Updated

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