Drain Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Drain Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary drain 5 ENTRIES FOUND: drain (verb) drain (noun) drained (adjective) brain drain (noun) storm drain (noun) 1 drain /ˈdreɪn/ verb drains; drained; draining 1 drain /ˈdreɪn/ verb drains; drained; draining Britannica Dictionary definition of DRAIN 1  a  [+ object] : to remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot. The swamp has been drained. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — often + from Drain the fat/grease from the pan. We have to drain some water from the pool. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b  [no object] of a container : to become empty of a liquid I was waiting for the bathtub to drain. The sink won't drain. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples c  [no object] of a liquid : to flow into, away from, or out of something The river drains into a lake. The blood/color drained from her face. [=she got pale] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  a  [+ object] : to cause (something) to lose something important — + of Years of civil war have drained the country of its resources. [=have used up the country's resources] Overuse has drained the phrase of all meaning. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b  : to slowly be used up or to cause (something) to slowly be used up [+ object] Years of civil war have drained the country's resources. The city's emergency fund has been drained. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples [no object] — usually + away She felt her anger drain away. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3  [+ object] : to make (someone) very physically or mentally tired The work drained [=exhausted] me. I feel totally drained of energy this evening. Her work is very draining. [=tiring] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  [+ object] : to drink all of the liquid in (something) He drained the mug and left. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 5  [+ object] US, sports, informal : to make (a successful shot) in a very skillful and impressive way (basketball) She took a long jump shot and drained it. (golf) He drained the putt for a birdie. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples drain off [phrasal verb] drain off (something) or drain (something) off a  : to cause (a liquid) to flow away from something or to leave the surface of something When the beans have cooked long enough to be tender, drain off the water and set them aside. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b  : to take (something important or valuable) from something An independent candidate could drain off [=siphon off] votes from either party. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 drain /ˈdreɪn/ noun plural drains 2 drain /ˈdreɪn/ noun plural drains Britannica Dictionary definition of DRAIN [count] 1  : something (such as a pipe) that is used for removing a liquid from a place or container He poured the spoiled milk down/into the drain. [=(Brit) plughole] The drain in the bathtub/sink is blocked/clogged. (chiefly Brit) They are repairing the drains. [=sewer system] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  : something that uses a lot of time, money, etc. — usually singular — usually + on Tuition costs are a drain on the family income. The war has been a big drain on the country's resources. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also brain drain down the drain informal 1  — used to describe something that is being wasted or lost All my hard work went down the drain. You're pouring your money down the drain. [=you're wasting your money] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  — used to describe something that is getting much worse The public schools are going down the drain. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR In the U.S., if someone asks "How are you?" and you're feeling sick, how should you answer? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY panorama : a full and wide view of something Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.