Pronunciations (11)
-
/dɹɑ/
Pronunciation notes
- cot-caught-merger
-
/dɹɔ/
-
[d͡ʒɹɔ]
Pronunciation notes
- sometimes
-
[d͡ʒɹɔɹ]
-
/dɹɔː/
Pronunciation notes
- Northern-England
- Received-Pronunciation
-
/dɹoː/
Pronunciation notes
- Australia
- British
- New-Zealand
- Southern
- Standard
-
/dɾɔ/
Pronunciation notes
- Scotland
-
/dɾɔː/
Pronunciation notes
- Wales
-
/dɹo/
Pronunciation notes
- Philippines
-
dɹɔː
Pronunciation notes
- GB
-
dɹɔ
Pronunciation notes
- US
Verb
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull (someone or something) in a particular direction or manner.
Usage- Formal
- often
- Transitive
- Examples
-
He drew a sheaf of papers from his bag.
More examples (1)
Lys shuddered, and I put my arm around her and drew her to me; and thus we sat throughout the hot night. She told me of her abduction and of the fright she had undergone, and together we thanked God that she had come through unharmed, because the great brute had dared not pause along the danger-infested way.
At the last moment Mollie, the foolish, pretty white mare who drew Mr. Jones's trap, came mincing daintily in, chewing at a lump of sugar.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To move (a body part) in a particular direction.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
She settled in the window seat, drawing her leg up beneath her.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Often followed by tight: to pull (something, such as a belt or string) so that it tightens or wraps around something more closely.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
She took a deep breath and drew her corset-strings.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To drag (something), especially along the ground.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
Seals […] throw their bodies forward, drawing their hinder-parts after them.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull (blinds, a curtain, etc.) open or closed.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
She drew the curtains to let in the sunlight.
You should draw the curtains at night for privacy.
More examples (1)
It is realised that the old Pullman standard sleeper, with its convertible "sections", each containing upper and lower berths, and with no greater privacy at night than the curtains drawn along both sides of a middle aisle, has had its day.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull out (a bolt or latch) to unlock a door, gate, etc.; also, to push in (a bolt or latch) to lock a door, gate, etc.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Chiefly followed by aside or to one side: to move (someone) away from a group of people in order to speak to them privately.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To assume a specific attitude or position, either by pulling in or stretching out one's body or limbs.
Usage- Reflexive
- Transitive
- Examples
-
He drew himself to his full height and glowered at the interloper.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To cause (a body part) to contract or shrink; also, to pull (the mouth, the face or features, etc.) out of shape from emotion, etc.; to distort.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
- Examples
-
How long her face is drawn!
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To cause (someone or something) to go from one place to another, or from one condition to another.
Usage- Archaic
- Figurative
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To construct (a canal, wall, etc.) from one point to another.
Usage- Archaic
- Figurative
- Transitive
- Examples
-
the huge Offa's dike which he drew from the mouth of Wye to that of Dee
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To strike (the cue ball) below the centre so as to give it a backward rotation which causes it to move backwards on striking another ball.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To cause (a bowl) to move in a curve to a certain place.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Of a batter: to hit (a ball) from the off side to the leg side, especially with an inclined bat; also, to hit (a short-length ball directed at the leg stump) with an inclined bat so as to deflect the ball between the legs and the wicket.
Usage- Archaic
- Figurative
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To play (a shot or a stone) that lands in the house (“circular target”).
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To hit (the ball) with the toe of the club so that it is deflected toward the left (or, for a left-handed player, toward the right, originally in an uncontrolled and now a controlled manner.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
[…] the golfer thinks, “Ah! To draw the ball, I must be like the old pros and incorporate hand action through impact, twisting the clubhead to the left.” All you have to do to apply the spin needed to draw the ball left is to create a very small conflict between the clubface aim and the path the clubhead is traveling.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Of a vessel: to require (a certain depth of water) to float in.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
- Examples
-
This ship draws ten feet of water.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To drag (someone) by tying behind a horse or on a frame as a form of punishment or torture, or to bring to a place of execution.
Usage- Historical
- Transitive
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
And if any manner of perſon attempted to moue the King to infringe any parte of thys ordynaunce, and that being knowne, for the firſt time, he ſhould be depriued of his goodes and poſſeſſions, and for the ſecond time, to be drawen thorough the Citie, and ſo put to execution as an arrant traytor.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To kill someone as a form of punishment or torture by tearing apart (their body) by tying their limbs to horses which run in different directions; also, to tear (the limbs) from someone's body in this manner.
Usage- Historical
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull back (an arrow or bowstring) in preparation for shooting the arrow; also, to cause (a bow) to bend by pulling back the bowstring.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To subject (a number) to an arithmetic operation.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. to haul in (a fishing net) which has been cast; also, to drag (a fishing net) alongside a boat.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To hoist (a sail).
Usage- Archaic
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To carry (a load) in a vehicle; to cart, to haul.
Usage- UK usage
- Regional
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To sew together (the edges of a tear); also, to mend (a hole or tear) in fabric.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To use (a draught animal) to pull a plough or vehicle.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To attribute (something) to a person or thing; to ascribe.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To change (something) into another thing; to convert, to transform.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
- Synonyms
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To convert (a passage) from one literary style to another (for example, from prose to verse); or to translate (a text) from one language to another.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To direct (one's heart, thoughts, etc.) in a certain way or towards someone or something.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To give (courage, strength, etc.) to oneself; to summon up; also, to produce (evil, wickedness, etc.) in oneself.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To give (words) a certain meaning, especially one which is distorted; to distort, to misrepresent.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Followed by through: to pass (food) through a strainer.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To mix (an ingredient) with another ingredient or ingredients to form a liquid or paste; to mix (ingredients) together to form a liquid or paste.
Usage- Figurative
- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To be (able to be) pulled in a particular direction or manner.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Of blinds, a curtain, etc.: to be pulled open or closed.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Of a bowl: to move in a curve to a certain place.
Usage- Figurative
- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To make a shot that lands in the house.
Usage- Figurative
- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Followed by an adverb, such as deep or shallow: of a vessel: to require a depth of water of a certain characteristic to float in.
Usage- Figurative
- Intransitive
- Examples
-
Greater hulks draw deep.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Especially of a draught animal: to pull something, such as a plough or vehicle, along; to have force to move something by pulling.
Usage- Archaic
- Intransitive
- Examples
-
This horse draws well.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. Of a plough or vehicle: to be pulled along in a specified manner.
Usage- Archaic
- Intransitive
- Examples
-
The carriage draws easily.
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To become contracted; to shrink.
Usage- Archaic
- Intransitive
- Examples
-
water[…] will shrink or draw into less room
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull back an arrow or bowstring in preparation for shooting the arrow; also, to cause a bow to bend by pulling back the bowstring.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To work together towards a common aim; to cooperate, to pull together; also, to have a good relationship with; to get on with.
Usage- Scotland
- Archaic
- Figurative
- Intransitive
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To be dragged along; to drag.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
Senses relating to exerting force or pulling. To pull at something; to tug.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
[…] No rogue e'er felt the halter [i.e., the hangman's noose] draw, with a good opinion of the law, and perhaps my own detestation of the law arises from my having frequently broken it.
Senses relating to attracting. To induce (the attention, the eyes or mind, etc.) to be directed at or focused on something.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
From the moment she entered the room, all eyes were drawn to her.
His mind was drawn back to the events of the preceding morning.
More examples (1)
Handsignalmen, where needed, ought to wear a conspicuous orange/yellow cape (like many road workmen) to draw attention to them.
Senses relating to attracting. To attract or cause (someone) to come to a particular place or to take a particular course of action; also, to cause (someone) to turn away from a particular condition or course of action.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
A place like the Right Livers' Rest was bound to draw freaks, same as molasses draws flies.
More examples (1)
The restaurant was packed, and the promenade between the two main courts and the subsidiary courts was thronged with healthy-looking youngish people, drawn to the Mecca of tennis from all parts of the country.
Senses relating to attracting. To attract (something) by means of a physical force, especially gravity or magnetism.
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
These following bodies do not draw: smaragd, achates, corneolus, pearl, jaspis, chalcedonius, alabaster, porphyry, coral, marble, touchstone, haematites, or bloodstone […]
Keep a watch upon the particular bias which nature has fixed in their minds, that it may not draw too much.
Senses relating to attracting. To attract or provoke (a particular reaction or response) from someone.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
The president’s comments have drawn strong criticism from right-wing media outlets.
Senses relating to attracting. To cause (something) to occur as a consequence; to bring about.
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
In a desperately tight opening set, the pace and accuracy of the Serbian's groundstrokes began to draw errors from the usually faultless Nadal and earned him the first break point of the day at 5-4.
Senses relating to attracting. Followed by on or upon: to bring (disaster or misfortune) on oneself.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to attracting. To receive (a particular prison sentence).
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to attracting. To take (air, smoke, etc.) into the lungs; to breathe in, to inhale.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
I drew a deep breath and wiped my brow.
More examples (1)
Serene, smiling, enigmatic, she faced him with no fear whatever showing in her dark eyes. […] She put back a truant curl from her forehead where it had sought egress to the world, and looked him full in the face now, drawing a deep breath which caused the round of her bosom to lift the lace at her throat.
So always look on the bright side of death, / Just before you draw your terminal breath.
Senses relating to attracting. To cause (air) to be sucked into a duct, a room, etc.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to attracting. To drag or suck deeply on (a cigarette, pipe, or other smoking implement).
Usage- Archaic
- Transitive
Senses relating to attracting. To attract or provoke gunfire, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to attracting. To attract or influence a person or group of people; to be an inducement or enticement.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to attracting. To take a drink of a beverage, especially an alcoholic one; to swig.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to attracting. Of a duct, smoking implement, etc.: to allow air to be passed through it in order that combustion can occur.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
The chimney won’t draw properly if it’s clogged up with soot.
Senses relating to attracting. Followed by at or on: to drag or suck deeply on a cigarette, pipe, or other smoking implement.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to attracting. Chiefly followed by about or around: of a group of people: to come together; to assemble, to congregate, to gather.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To make (something) larger or longer; to elongate, to stretch.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
The dough was run through the pasta machine and drawn into a long ribbon.
Senses relating to extending or protracting. Followed by out: to flatten (a piece of metal), usually by hammering.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To make (wire) by pulling a rod or other piece of metal through one or more apertures; also, to stretch (a rod or other piece of metal) into a wire.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
to draw a mass of metal into wire
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To make (straw straight for thatching by pulling it through the hands.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To amount to (a certain quantity or sum).
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To extend the duration of (something); to prolong.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To stretch (someone) on a rack as a form of punishment or torture.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To be made larger or longer; to be elongated or stretched.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To make straw straight for thatching by pulling it through the hands.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extending or protracting. Of a sail: to fill with wind and become taut.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
The ship’s sail drew when the wind blew strongly.
More examples (1)
Then he stepped the mast and, with the stick that was his gaff and with his boom rigged, the patched sail drew, the boat began to move, and half lying in the stern he sailed south-west.
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To amount to a certain quantity or sum.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
Senses relating to extending or protracting. To extend in area or space; to spread, to stretch.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To extract (a tooth); to pull.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To extract (juice, oil, or some other fluid) from something by osmosis, pressure, or another process.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
Spirits, by distillations, may be drawn out of vegetable juices, which shall flame and fume of themselves.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To extract (a small amount of liquid, especially blood) by puncturing a surface, or by using a pipette, syringe, or other suction device.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
The cat scratched her, drawing blood.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To leave (tea) temporarily in water to allow the flavour to increase; to infuse, to steep.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To pull out (a firearm, sword, or other weapon) from a holster, sheath, etc.; to unsheathe.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
They drew their swords and fought each other.
Matthew Garth woulda let Tom Dunstan drill him insteada drawin’ against him.
More examples (1)
Pensak made an inarticulate shout of surprise, and O stepped away from the sudden precipice so hard that she collided with the back of the elevator, and yelped. Both of them drew their weapons, as they were trained to do when confronted with the unknown, and there was something almost touchingly naïve about that. About drawing down on a featureless void.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To take (a beverage) from a cask or keg using a pump or tap; to tap.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To take up (water) from a well or other source, especially by lifting in a container or pumping.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
to draw water from a well using a bucket
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To soak up (a liquid, etc.); to absorb; specifically, of an organism (especially a plant) or one of its parts: to take in (nutrients, water, etc.).
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. Of a channel, drain, etc.: to carry (water) away.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. Chiefly in draw and quarter and hang, draw and quarter: to disembowel (someone), especially after hanging as a punishment for high treason.
Usage- Historical
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To remove the viscera from (an animal, especially a bird) before cooking.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
In private draw your poultry, clean your tripe.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To attract (humours, pus, etc.), chiefly by bringing to the surface of the body, so it can be dispersed or removed; also, to treat (a wound) in this way.
Usage- Archaic
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove. To raise (coal or ore) from an underground mine to the surface.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To select (one or more things) at random from a collection of similar things to decide which of a group of people will receive something such as a prize, or undergo something such as an assignment; also, to select (someone) by this process; to win (a prize) in a lottery or lucky draw.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
The winning lottery numbers were drawn every Tuesday.
Provided magistracies were filled by men freely chosen or drawn.
More examples (2)
In the drawing of lots, my sister drew her own room, and I drew Master B.'s.
Well, he was up in Wyoming / And drew a bull no man could ride / He promised her he'd turn out / Well, it turned out that he lied
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To conduct, or select the winning numbers, tickets, etc., for, (a lottery).
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To remove the contents of (something, especially a kiln or oven); to empty.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To fill a bathtub with (water for a bath); to run (a bath).
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To withdraw (something); specifically (gambling), to withdraw (a bet or wager); also (horse racing), to withdraw (a horse) from a race.
Usage- Archaic
- Transitive
- Examples
-
Go, wash thy face, and draw thy action.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. Of a plant or its roots: to deplete (soil) of nutrients.
Usage- UK usage
- Archaic
- Regional
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To separate (sheep) from a flock for a particular purpose, such as breeding or selling.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To be dealt or to take (a playing card) from the deck; also, to have (a particular hand) as a result of this.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
At the start of their turn, each player must draw a card.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To fish by dragging a fishing net along (a shore) or in (a body of water).
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To search (a covert, a wood, etc.) for game or a quarry.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
“Gave us a jolly good run. Viewed him across Gamley Heath, drew Meddington Big Wood, and then we lost him. Daddy was livid.”
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To end (a game or match) with neither side winning, that is, in a draw.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
I drew my last game against him.
More examples (1)
The game is won when a player places any of his pieces on the same square with his opponent's Princess, or when a Chief takes a Chief. It is drawn when a Chief is taken by any opposing piece other than the opposing Chief;[…]
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To end (a game or match) with neither side winning, that is, in a draw. In a match scheduled to last for a certain period of time: to end (a match) with neither side winning because the team batting last has not completed its innings when the playing time concludes.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To separate (a length of lace made by machine) into sections by removing the threads connecting the sections.
Usage- Historical
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To take milk from (a cow); to milk.
Usage- Northern
- Scotland
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To separate (seeds) from the husks of clover or trefoil; also, to separate seeds from the husks of (clover or trefoil).
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To take (a wicket).
Usage- Obsolete
- Rare
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To remove (a hawk) from a mew after it has moulted.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To steal (something) from a person, especially by picking a pocket; also to pick the pocket of (someone); to steal from (a place).
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To consume (power).
- Examples
-
The circuit draws three hundred watts.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To obtain, elicit. To take (something) from a particular source, especially of information; to derive.
- Examples
-
He drew comfort from the thought that he was not the first to suffer this way.
She draws her subject matter from the events of her own life.
More examples (1)
[Chappell] Roan draws from the mega-pop of the 2010s, from Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift – then laces it with sexually frank asides and lavish doses of camp, and performs it with a maximalist, absurd aesthetic indebted to drag, John Waters and Freddie Mercury.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To obtain, elicit. To call forth (something) from a person, to elicit.
- Examples
-
I had thought, sir, to have held my peace until / You have drawn oaths from him not to stay.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To obtain, elicit. To deduce or infer (a conclusion); to make (a deduction).
- Examples
-
He tried to draw a conclusion from the facts.
We do not draw the moral lessons we might from history.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To obtain, elicit. To receive (a salary); to withdraw (money) from a bank etc.
- Examples
-
to draw money from a bank
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To obtain, elicit. To elicit information from (someone); to induce (a person) to speak on some subject. (Now frequently in passive.)
- Examples
-
He refused to be drawn on the subject
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To pull out a firearm, sword, or other weapon from a holster, sheath, etc.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To take up water from a well or other source, especially by lifting it in a container or pumping it.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To select one or more things at random from a collection of similar things to decide which of a group of people will receive or undergo something.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To leave tea temporarily in water to allow the flavour to increase; to infuse, to steep; also, of a teapot: to cause tea to infuse.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
Tea is much nicer if you let it draw for more than two minutes before pouring.
"There's your tay set for you an' drawin' nicely this minute, Miss Ethel," called old Bridget from the hall.
More examples (1)
She made a pot of very strong tea, and while she was waiting for it to draw she opened the kitchen door to inspect her garden.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. Of a bathtub: to be filled with water for a bath; to be run.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. Of a channel, drain, etc.: to carry water away.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. Of a liquid: to drain away, to percolate.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To treat a wound by attracting humours, pus, etc., chiefly by bringing such material to the surface of the body, so it can be dispersed or removed.
Usage- Archaic
- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To be dealt or to take a playing card from the deck.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
Jill has four diamonds; she’ll try to draw for a flush.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To take a domino from the stock.
Usage- Intransitive
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To end a game or match with neither side winning, that is, in a draw; to tie.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
-
We drew the last time we played.
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To take alcoholic beverages from casks or kegs in an inn or tavern; to work as a drawer or barman.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
Senses relating to extracting or selecting. To remove a hawk from a mew after it has moulted.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
Senses relating to moving or travelling. To move in a specific direction.
Usage- Archaic
- Reflexive
- Examples
-
She thought she heard a noise in her chamber, and she drew herself within the casement.
Senses relating to moving or travelling. To move steadily in a particular direction or into a specific position.
Usage- Intransitive
- used with prepositions and adverbs
- Examples
-
The runners drew level with each other as they approached the finish line.
Draw near to the fire and I will tell you a tale.
More examples (2)
The end of the world draws near.
Heavy clouds drew together above our heads.
Senses relating to moving or travelling. To come to, towards (a particular moment in time); to approach (a time).
- Examples
-
As it drew towards evening, I packed up and headed for home.
More examples (1)
As the war drew to its end, it became evident that repairs and rebuilding in the heavily blitzed Greater London area would be so extensive as to afford opportunity for effective large-scale planning.
Senses relating to moving or travelling. To search for game; to track a quarry.
Usage- Archaic
- Examples
-
On one of my expeditions, after a stormy night, at the end of March, the hounds drew all day without finding a fox.
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To produce (a figure, line, picture, representation of something, etc.) with a piece of chalk, a crayon, a pen, a pencil, or other instrument.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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He had drawn a mural on the wall of his apartment.
A flattering painter, vvho made it his care / To dravv men as they ought to be, not as they are.
More examples (2)
Can I untouch'd the Fair ones Paſſions move? / Or Thou draw Beauty, and not feel it's Pow'r?
Sepia Delft tiles surrounded the fireplace, their crudely drawn Biblical scenes in faded cyclamen blending with the pinkish pine, while above them, instead of a mantelshelf, there was an archway high enough to form a balcony with slender balusters and a tapestry-hung wall behind.
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To carve or shape (something) by cutting off thin pieces.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To make (a comparison or contrast) between two or more things; to compare; to contrast, to distinguish.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. Often followed by on or upon and the person or institution providing the money: to write (a bill, cheque, or draft) to authorize payment of money.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. Now chiefly in the form draw up: to compose or write (a piece of text, especially a formal document).
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to draw a memorial, a deed, or bill of exchange
Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To depict (something) linguistically; to portray (something) in words; to describe.
Usage- Figurative
- Transitive
- Examples
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Her first novel contained a host of characters who were richly and convincingly drawn.
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To create (a furrow) by pulling a plough through soil.
Usage- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To arrange or devise (something); to contrive.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To produce (a three-dimensional figure of something); to model, to mould, to sculpt.
Usage- Obsolete
- Transitive
Senses relating to depicting or representing. To produce an image of something with a piece of chalk, a crayon, a pen, a pencil, or other instrument; to make a drawing or drawings.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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When I came in she was drawing on a big piece of coloured paper.
Interjection
Pull back your bowstring in preparation to shoot.
Noun
That which draws: that which attracts e.g. a crowd.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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More examples (1)
At the mountain’s base is the leafy suburb of Kowloon Tong. It has never been a big tourist draw, but in the decade since territorial control returned to China, this quintessentially Hong Kong neighborhood has had many more visitors — and important changes.
After It, Clara became one of the top box-office draws in Hollywood, but her popularity was short lived.
The act of drawing: The act of drawing a gun from a holster, etc.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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the Wild West's quick-draw champion
The act of drawing: The procedure by which the result of a lottery is determined.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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The draw is on Saturday.
More examples (1)
Having spent more than £500,000 on players last summer, Crawley can hardly be classed as minnows but they have still punched way above their weight and this kind of performance means no-one will relish pulling them out of the hat in Sunday's draw.
The act of drawing: The act of pulling back the strings in preparation of firing; the distance the strings are pulled back.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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This configuration offered the capacity for an exceptionally long draw – Manchu archers drew all the way back to the point of the right shoulder[…]
The result of drawing: The result of a contest that neither side has won.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Synonyms
- Examples
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The game ended in a draw.
The result of drawing: The result of a two-innings match in which at least one side did not complete all their innings before time ran out (as distinguished from a tie).
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
That which is drawn (e.g. funds from an account).
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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They're going to take away our draw! (referring to e.g. disability assistance)
That which is drawn (e.g. funds from an account). In a commission-based job, an advance on future (potential) commissions given to an employee by the employer.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
Draft: flow through a flue of gasses (smoke) resulting from a combustion process, possibly adjustable with a damper.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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More examples (1)
She looked in [to the stove] and a tight, dismayed gasp escaped her. She slammed the door shut and adjusted the draw with trembling fingers. For a moment—just a moment—she had seen her old friend Annabelle Frane in the coals.
The spin or twist imparted to a ball etc. by a drawing stroke.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
A golf shot that (for the right-handed player) curves intentionally to the left. See hook, slice, fade.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
A shot that is intended to land gently in the house (the circular target) without knocking out other stones; cf. takeout.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
A dry stream bed that drains surface water only during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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The garden, curiously enough, was a quarter of a mile from the house, and the way to it led up a shallow draw past the cattle corral.
A bag of cannabis.
Usage- Countable
- Slang
- Examples
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So my friends and I would all chip in money to get a bag of weed or a draw.
I'm twenty-something young with my priorities straight / I need to buy a booze and I need to buy a draw
Cannabis.
Usage- Slang
- Uncountable
- Examples
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Selling draw to your mates but it's really Oxo cubes.
Mick spoke to Simon, who was more of a drinker. He said that people who smoked draw were boring.
A situation in which one or more players has four cards of the same suit or four out of five necessary cards for a straight and requires a further card to make their flush or straight.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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The player to your left immediately raises you the minimum by clicking the raise button. This action immediately suggests that he's on a draw
The stall from which a horse begins the race.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
Noun
a gully that is shallower than a ravine
- Broader terms
an entertainer who attracts large audiences
- Broader terms
- Examples
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he was the biggest drawing card they had
the finish of a contest in which the score is tied and the winner is undecided
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the game ended in a draw
their record was 3 wins, 6 losses and a tie
anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the luck of the draw
they drew lots for it
a playing card or cards dealt or taken from the pack
- Broader terms
- Examples
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he got a pair of kings in the draw
a golf shot that curves to the left for a right-handed golfer
- Broader terms
- Examples
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he took lessons to cure his hooking
(American football) the quarterback moves back as if to pass and then hands the ball to the fullback who is running toward the line of scrimmage
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
poker in which a player can discard cards and receive substitutes from the dealer
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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he played only draw and stud
the act of drawing or hauling something
- Examples
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the haul up the hill went very slowly
Verb
cause to move by pulling
- Synonyms
- Examples
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draw a wagon
pull a sled
get or derive
- Synonyms
- Examples
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He drew great benefits from his membership in the association
make a mark or lines on a surface
- Broader terms
- Examples
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draw a line
trace the outline of a figure in the sand
make, formulate, or derive in the mind
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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I draw a line here
draw a conclusion
More examples (3)
draw parallels
make an estimate
What do you make of his remarks?
bring, take, or pull out of a container or from under a cover
- Examples
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draw a weapon
pull out a gun
More examples (1)
The mugger pulled a knife on his victim
represent by making a drawing of, as with a pencil, chalk, etc. on a surface
- Examples
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She drew an elephant
Draw me a horse
take liquid out of a container or well
- Synonyms
- Examples
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She drew water from the barrel
give a description of
- Examples
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He drew an elaborate plan of attack
select or take in from a given group or region
- Examples
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The participants in the experiment were drawn from a representative population
elicit responses, such as objections, criticism, applause, etc.
- Examples
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The President's comments drew sharp criticism from the Republicans
The comedian drew a lot of laughter
suck in or take (air)
- Broader terms
- Examples
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draw a deep breath
draw on a cigarette
move or go steadily or gradually
- Examples
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The ship drew near the shore
remove (a commodity) from (a supply source)
- Examples
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She drew $2,000 from the account
The doctors drew medical supplies from the hospital's emergency bank
choose at random
- Synonyms
- Examples
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draw a card
cast lots
earn or achieve a base by being walked by the pitcher
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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He drew a base on balls
bring or lead someone to a certain action or condition
- Examples
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She was drawn to despair
The President refused to be drawn into delivering an ultimatum
More examples (1)
The session was drawn to a close
to obtain a liquid from somewhere
- Examples
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The nurse drew blood
write a legal document or paper
- Examples
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The deed was drawn in the lawyer's office
engage in drawing
- Broader terms
- Examples
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He spent the day drawing in the garden
move or pull so as to cover or uncover something
- Examples
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draw the shades
draw the curtains
allow a draft
- Examples
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This chimney draws very well
require a specified depth for floating
- Examples
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This boat draws 70 inches
pull (a person) apart with four horses tied to their extremities, so as to execute them
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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in the old days, people were drawn and quartered for certain crimes
cause to move in a certain direction by exerting a force upon, either physically or in an abstract sense
- Synonyms
- Examples
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A declining dollar pulled down the export figures for the last quarter
take in, also metaphorically
- Examples
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The sponge absorbs water well
She drew strength from the minister's words
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
- Broader terms
- Examples
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Her good looks attract the stares of many men
The ad pulled in many potential customers
More examples (2)
This pianist pulls huge crowds
The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers
thread on or as if on a string
- Examples
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string pearls on a string
the child drew glass beads on a string
More examples (1)
thread dried cranberries
stretch back a bowstring (on an archer's bow)
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The archers were drawing their bows
pass over, across, or through
- Examples
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He ran his eyes over her body
She ran her fingers along the carved figurine
More examples (1)
He drew her hair through his fingers
finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.
- Synonyms
- Examples
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The teams drew a tie
shrink
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The material drew after it was washed in hot water
reduce the diameter of (a wire or metal rod) by pulling it through a die
- Broader terms
- Examples
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draw wire
steep; pass through a strainer
- Examples
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draw pulp from the fruit
remove the entrails of
- Synonyms
- Examples
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draw a chicken
flatten, stretch, or mold metal or glass, by rolling or by pulling it through a die or by stretching
- Examples
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draw steel
cause to localize at one point
- Examples
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Draw blood and pus