pour
paw
Pour (verb) means to make a liquid flow steadily out of or into a container. Example: “Please pour the milk slowly so that it does not spill over the edge.”
verb
1
To make a liquid flow steadily out of or into a container.
"Please pour the milk slowly so that it does not spill over the edge."
"She poured the tea into two cups."
"He poured himself a glass of orange juice."
2
To rain very heavily.
"We stayed indoors because it was pouring and the wind was getting stronger."
"Take an umbrella, since it is going to pour any minute now."
"It poured all afternoon, flooding the streets."
3
To move steadily in large numbers, like a stream.
"Commuters poured through the station gates as soon as the doors opened."
"Messages of support poured in from friends all over the world."
"Fans poured out of the stadium after the final whistle."
How to use pour
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make liquid flow from one place to another, to rain hard, or to move in a steady stream, like a crowd.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pour a drink
pouring rain
pour out
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Word forms
- Plural
- pours
- Third person singular
- pours
- Past tense
- poured
Fill the gap
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Please _____ the milk slowly so that it does not spill over the edge.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first recorded in Middle English as pouren — possibly related to an Old French word meaning "to sift" or "purify" liquid.
Related words
Rhymes for pour
See all rhymes for 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."
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