1 A2 neutral
To remove liquid from a container by allowing it to flow out, or for liquid to flow out on its own.
"Once the pasta is cooked, drain out the water and add the sauce."
separable
drain out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To cause liquid to flow out of a container, or for liquid to flow out on its own.
In plain English
To let the water (or other liquid) out of something until it is empty.
What does "drain out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
For energy, resources, or vitality to be used up or to leave someone completely.
"After the long hike, I felt like every ounce of energy had drained out of me."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For liquid to flow out of a container.
Actually means
To let the water (or other liquid) out of something until it is empty.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday domestic contexts — draining a sink, a bath, a pool, or a pot of pasta. Also used figuratively for energy or resources being used up.
Words that pair with "drain out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
water pasta sink pool tank battery
How to conjugate "drain out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drain out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drains out
he/she/it
Past simple
drained out
yesterday
Past participle
drained out
have + pp
-ing form
draining out
continuous
Hear "drain out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "drain out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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