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Definition of drain

drain

/dreɪn/
drain

Plural:drains
•
Adjective:drainable
•
Past Simple:drained
•
Past Participle:drained
•
Present Participle:draining
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drain Lexical Profile

drain Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A pipe, conduit, or channel built to carry away liquid waste or water.

Example

"The plumber had to clear out the kitchen drain because it was clogged with food debris."


2

A continuous and exhausting loss or consumption of resources, energy, or money.

Example

"The ongoing legal battle became a massive drain on the company's finances."


3

A tube or wick placed in a wound or body cavity to draw off fluid.

Example

"The surgeon removed the surgical drain two days after the operation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To cause liquid to run out of something, leaving it empty or dry.

Example

"You should drain the pasta thoroughly before mixing it with the sauce."


2

To deprive someone or something of energy, strength, or resources.

Example

"The long, arduous hike managed to drain all of my remaining stamina."


3

To flow away or empty out.

Example

"After the heavy rain stopped, the floodwaters slowly began to drain from the streets."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for drain

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'drēahnian' meaning to strain or filter, related to 'drūgian' (to dry), tracing back to Proto-Germanic roots.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Drain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/drain
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