Word
strainer
Phoneticsstrain·er
UK/stɹˈeɪnɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a kitchen tool with small holes that lets liquid pass through but holds back solid pieces. You use it for tea, pasta, or juice.
n. a perforated utensil for separating solids from liquids by passing the mixture through mesh or small holes.
Examples
“She pours the tea through a small strainer.”
“He rinses the cooked pasta by pouring it into a strainer in the sink.”
“The bartender shakes the cocktail with ice and then pours it through a fine strainer to catch every fragment before serving.”
Examples
simple
“She pours the tea through a small strainer.”
contextual
“He rinses the cooked pasta by pouring it into a strainer in the sink.”
complex
“The bartender shakes the cocktail with ice and then pours it through a fine strainer to catch every fragment before serving.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “strainer” in context.
Verb
01. hold strainer
“Hold the strainer over the bowl and pour the tea.”
verb + noun
02. pour through strainer
“Pour the juice through a strainer to remove the pulp.”
verb + prep + noun
03. strainer catches
“The strainer catches the tea leaves and lets water pass.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. fine strainer
“Pour the soup through a fine strainer to remove small seeds.”
adj + noun
05. metal strainer
“She washed the metal strainer after making pasta.”
adj + noun
06. small strainer
“Use a small strainer to make tea for one cup.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. mesh strainer
“Press the berries in a mesh strainer to get smooth juice.”
noun + noun
08. tea strainer
“She put a tea strainer over her cup before pouring hot water.”
noun + noun
09. drain pasta in a strainer
“Drain the pasta in a strainer and add a little oil.”
10. hold the strainer over
“Hold the strainer over the sink while you drain the pasta.”
11. pour through a fine strainer
“Pour the stock through a fine strainer for a clear soup.”
12. use a tea strainer
“I use a tea strainer every morning for loose green tea.”
Etymology
From Middle English strener, streynour, strenyour, equivalent to strain + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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