1 C1 neutral
To pull a material such as wire, cable, or thread through a narrow opening or tube.
"The electrician drew the cable through the conduit using a metal guide."
separable
draw through
C1 neutral separable transitive
To pull something slowly through a narrow opening or space.
In plain English
To pull something (like a wire or rope) through a small hole or gap.
What does "draw through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
In metalworking, to reduce the diameter of wire or tubing by pulling it through progressively smaller dies.
"Copper is drawn through a series of dies to produce wire of the required thickness."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull an object through a passage or opening.
Actually means
To pull something (like a wire or rope) through a small hole or gap.
Usage tip
Primarily used in technical, craft, or industrial contexts — for example, in metalworking (drawing wire through a die), sewing, or plumbing. Not common in everyday conversation.
Words that pair with "draw through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wire cable thread pipe die tube
How to conjugate "draw through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
draw through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
draws through
he/she/it
Past simple
drew through
yesterday
Past participle
drawn through
have + pp
-ing form
drawing through
continuous
Hear "draw through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "draw through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.