pour
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for pour, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a liquid flow steadily out of or into a container.
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.
Antonyms
How to use pour
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pour a drink
pouring rain
pour out
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first recorded in Middle English as pouren — possibly related to an Old French word meaning "to sift" or "purify" liquid.
Full origin of pour →Frequently asked questions
What does “pour” mean?
The word “pour” means to make a liquid flow steadily out of or into a container. In plain terms, to make liquid flow from one place to another, to rain hard, or to move in a steady stream, like a crowd.
How do you pronounce “pour”?
“Pour” is pronounced paw (/poɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pour” in a sentence?
Here is “pour” used in a sentence: “She poured the tea into two cups.”
What part of speech is “pour”?
“Pour” is a verb.
Where does the word “pour” come from?
The word “pour” comes from Old French. Of uncertain origin, first recorded in Middle English as pouren — possibly related to an Old French word meaning "to sift" or "purify" liquid.
Is “pour” a common word?
“Pour” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pour” have?
“Pour” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a liquid flow steadily out of or into a container.
What is the difference between pour and pore?
Pour and pore sound alike but differ in meaning. Pour means to make a liquid flow steadily out of a container, while pore is either a tiny opening in a surface (as in skin) or the verb meaning to study something intently, as in "pore over a book."
What is the difference between pour and spill?
To pour is to make liquid flow deliberately and in a controlled, steady stream, usually into or out of a container. To spill means the liquid escapes accidentally, often making a mess.
Does pour mean to rain heavily?
Yes. Besides describing liquid flowing from a container, pour is commonly used to mean rain very heavily, as in "it's pouring outside" or "the pouring rain."
