What does strainer mean?
A strainer is a utensil or device that lets liquid pass through while retaining solid material. In the kitchen, it may catch tea leaves, remove seeds from a sauce, sift flour, or drain small pieces of food. It differs from a sieve mainly in typical use: a sieve often handles dry or semi-dry ingredients, whereas a strainer is especially associated with separating solids from liquid during pouring. Strainers are also used in plumbing and industrial systems, where they trap debris before it can enter or damage equipment. The term is common in both British and American English. Although “filter” can sometimes replace it in general conversation, “strainer” is more precise when the principal function is to hold back solids while a liquid passes through.
nounA utensil or device with a mesh, screen, or perforated surface used to separate solid particles from a liquid or to hold back small pieces while pouring. Strainers are used for foods, beverages, and sometimes plumbing or laboratory processes.
- A utensil with a mesh or perforated surface used to separate solids from a liquid or to sift foods.
- A device installed in a pipe or fluid system to trap particles and debris.
"She poured the pasta through a colander and used the strainer to catch the herbs."
"Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds from the sauce."
"The plumber replaced the clogged strainer in the pipe."
The plural is formed by adding the ending “-s.”
"The restaurant keeps several clean strainers beside the sink."
A tea strainer can keep tea leaves out of the cup while allowing the drink to pass through: a small tool with a surprisingly precise job.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of strainer
“Strainer” was formed in English by adding the agent suffix “-er” to “strain,” producing the name of an object that performs the action of straining. “Strain” comes through Old French from Latin “stringere,” meaning “draw tight” or “bind,” and its early English meanings included the act of pressing or filtering material. The derived form “strainer” has long been used for utensils and devices that separate or filter substances.
Related word forms
How strainer is actually used
In everyday use, the word most often refers to a kitchen utensil. In technical and industrial contexts, it can denote a component designed to filter particles from flowing water, gas, oil, or another fluid. The spelling follows standard American and British usage.
Easily confused with strainer
A sieve is generally a bowl-shaped mesh or perforated utensil for sifting dry or semi-dry ingredients, whereas a strainer is often used to separate solids from a liquid during pouring.
A colander is a larger perforated bowl intended mainly for draining cooked food, while a strainer may have finer mesh and is commonly used for tea, sauces, or smaller quantities.