sieve

5 synonyms for sieve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A kitchen tool with a mesh bottom used to separate larger pieces from smaller ones or to drain liquid from solids.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

sort screen

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

strain

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

sift screen out

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A kitchen tool with a mesh bottom used to separate larger pieces from smaller ones or to drain liquid from solids.

“She pushed the raspberries through a sieve to remove the seeds.”

sort screen strain sift screen out

2. verb

To pass something through a sieve; to sift or strain.

“Sieve the flour before adding it to the mixture.”

screen sift strain sort

How to use sieve

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

pass through a sieve fine sieve mind like a sieve

Etymology

From Old English sife, an old Germanic word related to German Sieb — ultimately from a root meaning "to pour or strain".

Full origin of sieve →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sieve” mean?

The word “sieve” means a kitchen tool with a mesh bottom used to separate larger pieces from smaller ones or to drain liquid from solids. In plain terms, a mesh tool for separating fine from coarse, or, informally, anyone/anything too leaky to hold things in.

How do you pronounce “sieve”?

“Sieve” is pronounced sihv (/sɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “sieve” in a sentence?

Here is “sieve” used in a sentence: “She pushed the raspberries through a sieve to remove the seeds.”

What part of speech is “sieve”?

Depending on how it is used, “sieve” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “sieve” come from?

The word “sieve” comes from Old English. From Old English sife, an old Germanic word related to German Sieb — ultimately from a root meaning "to pour or strain".

How many meanings does “sieve” have?

“Sieve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a kitchen tool with a mesh bottom used to separate larger pieces from smaller ones or to drain liquid from solids.

Related words

baleen

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sort screen strain sift

Nearby words

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