noun B1 Intermediate Common

filter

FIHL-tuh

Filter (noun) means a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it. Example: “Replace the air filter every three months.”

noun

A device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.

"Replace the air filter every three months."

"The water filter removes chlorine and sediment."

A digital effect applied to an image or a setting that screens out unwanted content.

"She applied a warm filter to the photo before posting it."

verb

To pass something through a filter, or to sort and remove unwanted elements.

"The app lets you filter search results by price."

"Coffee grounds are filtered out before you drink the coffee."

How to use filter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that screens out unwanted material — whether from liquid, air, search results, or a photo — or the act of doing that screening.

Common pairings

air filter water filter filter results Instagram filter

Word forms

filtered past tense, filters plural, Filters plural, filters singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Replace the air _____ every three months.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

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strainer sieve screen purifier sifter colander

Antonyms

ideal

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Frequently asked questions

What does “filter” mean?

The word “filter” means a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it. In plain terms, something that screens out unwanted material — whether from liquid, air, search results, or a photo — or the act of doing that screening.

How do you pronounce “filter”?

“Filter” is pronounced FIHL-tuh (/ˈfɪltɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “filter” in a sentence?

Here is “filter” used in a sentence: “Replace the air filter every three months.”

What is the opposite of “filter”?

The opposite of “filter” — its antonyms — is ideal.

What part of speech is “filter”?

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

Where does the word “filter” come from?

The word “filter” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.

Is “filter” a common word?

“Filter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “filter” have?

“Filter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.

What is the difference between a "filter" and a "sieve"?

A filter removes fine, often invisible particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it, such as water or air. A sieve is a coarser tool with holes that separates larger solids from liquids or sorts by size, like draining pasta or sifting flour.

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