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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Before consuming cranberries, transfer them to a colander and rinse under cool running water. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 Transfer the shucked oysters to a colander, then rinse under cool running water. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 Put scallops in a large colander in sink and dust with flour, shaking off excess. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 23 Sep. 2024 Allow your greens to drain in a colander then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, or run them through a salad spinner to twirl off excess moisture. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near colander

Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 10 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!