noun
sieve
sihv
Sieve (noun) means a kitchen tool with a mesh bottom used to separate larger pieces from smaller ones or to drain liquid from solids. Example: “She pushed the raspberries through a sieve to remove the seeds.”
noun
1
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."
"Rinse the rice in a fine sieve before cooking it."
2
Something, or someone, that lets too much through — a poor filter, especially for secrets or memory.
"His memory is a sieve; he forgets names within seconds."
verb
1
To pass something through a sieve; to sift or strain.
"Sieve the flour before adding it to the mixture."
How to use sieve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mesh tool for separating fine from coarse, or, informally, anyone/anything too leaky to hold things in.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with sift, the verb for the general action — a sieve is the tool itself.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pass through a sieve
fine sieve
mind like a sieve
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Word forms
- Plural
- sieves
- Third person singular
- sieves
- Past tense
- sieved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She pushed the raspberries through a _____ to remove the seeds.
Etymology
From Old English sife, an old Germanic word related to German Sieb — ultimately from a root meaning "to pour or strain".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sieve
See all rhymes for 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.
