drain
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for drain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use drain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dreahnian, related to Old English drygan, "to dry."
Full origin of drain →Frequently asked questions
What does “drain” mean?
The word “drain” means a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid. In plain terms, to let liquid flow away, or to slowly use up energy or money.
How do you pronounce “drain”?
“Drain” is pronounced drayn (/dɹiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “drain” in a sentence?
Here is “drain” used in a sentence: “Leaves clogged the drain outside the house.”
What part of speech is “drain”?
Depending on how it is used, “drain” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “drain” come from?
The word “drain” comes from Old English. From Old English dreahnian, related to Old English drygan, "to dry.".
Is “drain” a common word?
“Drain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “drain” have?
“Drain” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid.
What is the difference between a drain and a sewer?
A drain is a pipe or channel that carries unwanted liquid away from a building or area, while a sewer is the larger system that collects wastewater from many drains. In UK plumbing terminology, a drain typically serves a single property and a sewer serves more than one.