What does sieve mean?
A sieve is a mesh or perforated tool that separates fine material from larger pieces. It is most often used in cooking, gardening, construction, and other practical activities where unwanted lumps, stones, or particles need to be removed. The related verb, "to sieve," describes passing material through such a screen, but it also has a figurative meaning: to examine a large amount of information and identify the useful or appropriate parts. For example, someone may sieve through a long list of names or a pile of documents. The word can also refer metaphorically to a person who carefully filters opportunities, applicants, or other possibilities. In general, "sieve" suggests separation by size, usefulness, or criteria, making it a vivid word for both physical filtration and careful selection.
A device or mesh with openings that allows fine material to pass through while retaining larger particles.
"He used a sieve to sift the flour into a bowl."
To pass material through a sieve or similar device, or to examine and select from something carefully.
"She sieved through the emails and replied to the ones that needed attention."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The kitchen contained several sieves of different sizes."
A sieve can filter more than flour: in everyday speech, people may sieve through information, relationships, or opportunities, separating what is useful from what is not.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sieve come from?
The English word developed in Middle English from the Old English form sife, which belonged to the Germanic family of languages. Its close relatives include German Sieb and Dutch zeef, both meaning a sieve or similar filtering implement. The English verb "sift" is also related in origin and shares the broader sense of separating fine material from coarse material.
Related word forms
How sieve is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English. The verb is commonly figurative in phrases such as "sieve through" and can imply a careful process of filtering or evaluating information.
Easily confused with sieve
A riddle is now primarily a puzzling question or puzzle, although it historically also referred to a sieve-like filtering device.
A strainer is typically a container or utensil for holding and filtering liquid, whereas a sieve is a perforated surface or mesh through which material passes.