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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Raw chicken was being thawed in a colander with running water only touching parts of the chicken. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 This thing also doubles as both a colander and a serving and/or mixing bowl, adding even more versatility. — Kayleigh Drake, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 Drain the green beans into a colander over the sink. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025 Just throw them in a colander and run water over them to defrost, and then pat them dry before adding to the pan. — Melissa Clark, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colander

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

Rhymes for colander

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colander
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“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of colander for Spanish Speakers

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