# sieve

/ˈsɪv/ (US) · /sˈɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sieve
Updated: 2026-06-18

## Definition

a tool with a mesh bottom used for separating small pieces from a liquid or powder.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.