Word

drain

noun C1

/dɹeɪn/

Meanings

noun

a pipe, channel, or opening that carries away water or other liquid

verb

to remove liquid from something so it becomes empty or drier

verb

to gradually use up a supply of something such as energy, time, or resources

Definition

A drain is a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted water or liquid.

A drain is a passage, pipe, or opening that removes water or other liquid from a place such as a sink, shower, street, or field. As a verb, drain means to make something empty by letting liquid flow out. It can also mean to gradually use up a resource like energy, time, or money. In everyday speech, it often suggests a steady, sometimes unnoticed loss.

Examples

After the storm, the street drain struggled to cope with the sudden rush of water.
I opened the valve to drain the cooler before packing it into the car.
She found that constant notifications drain her attention during deep work.
They had to clear leaves from the drain to stop the patio from flooding.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse drain with drought, but drain is about removing liquid (or using up resources), while drought is a long period with little rain.