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.
Jowett suggests placing berries in a colander and gently moving them under cool running water rather than soaking them in a bowl. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026 Show your newbie scientist how to make it into a ball, drive play cars through it, and pour it through a colander. — Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026 An ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse in the same way as other projector viewers; the colander's circular holes project crescent images of the sun onto the ground. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Scoop out 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water and drain everything in a colander. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for colander

Browse Nearby Words

colacobiosis
colander
colane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colander. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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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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