colander

noun

col·​an·​der ˈkä-lən-dər How to pronounce colander (audio) ˈkə- How to pronounce colander (audio)
: a perforated utensil for washing or draining food

Examples of colander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wash Asparagus Rinse all spears in a colander under cool water. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 Optical Projection Projecting crescent suns through hands, colanders, and boxes is easy, but the eclipse image is very small. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Drain the beans in a colander, then return the beans to the pot. Bridgette A. Lacy, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Another option is to fill a large bowl with water and then set a colander or strainer inside of it, Victoria Spencer writes at Martha Stewart’s website. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2023 Transfer the cucumber slices to a colander and rinse with cold water. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2024 With this genius design, the colander never has to touch the bottom of your sink, either—perfect for a sink full of dishes from cooking. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2024 Easily drain liquid from the pot by pouring directly over the sink—no need to make space for a large colander. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023 In particular, older Americans are more likely to have a ladle, a strainer or colander, and a spatula or tongs. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'colander.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English colyndore, probably modification of Old Occitan colador, from Medieval Latin colatorium, from Latin colare to sieve, from colum sieve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colander was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near colander

Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

colander

noun
col·​an·​der ˈkəl-ən-dər How to pronounce colander (audio) ˈkäl- How to pronounce colander (audio)
: a utensil with small holes for draining food

More from Merriam-Webster on colander

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