draw

English

Etymology

Category:English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰregʰ-#DRAW

The verb is derived from Middle EnglishCategory:English terms inherited from Middle English#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from Middle English#DRAW drauen, drawen, draȝen, dragen (“to drag, pull; to draw (out); to attract; to entice, lure; to lead; to make a drawing; to move, travel; etc.”),[1] from Old EnglishCategory:English terms inherited from Old English#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from Old English#DRAW dragan (“to drag, draw”), from Proto-West GermanicCategory:English terms inherited from Proto-West Germanic#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from Proto-West Germanic#DRAW *dragan (“to carry; to haul”), from Proto-GermanicCategory:English terms inherited from Proto-Germanic#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from Proto-Germanic#DRAW *draganą (“to carry; to pull, draw”); further etymology uncertain, often said to be from Proto-Indo-EuropeanCategory:English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European#DRAW *dʰregʰ- (“to pull, draw”), but possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate root which is also the source of Latin trahō (“to pull, draw; etc.”).[2] Doublet of drag and draughtCategory:English doublets#DRAW.

The noun is derived from Middle EnglishCategory:English terms inherited from Middle English#DRAWCategory:English terms derived from Middle English#DRAW drau, draue (“action of shooting with a bow”),[3] from drauen, drawen (verb).[4]

Pronunciation

Verb

draw (third-person singular simple present draws, present participle drawing, simple past drew, past participle drawn or (colloquial and nonstandard) drew)Category:English lemmas#DRAWCategory:English verbs#DRAWCategory:English entries with incorrect language header#DRAWCategory:Pages with entries#DRAWCategory:Pages with 2 entries#DRAW

  1. Senses relating to exerting force or pulling.
    1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, often formalCategory:English formal terms#DRAW) To pull (someone or something) in a particular direction or manner. [from 8th c.]
      Synonyms: tug, yank; see also Thesaurus:pull
      He drew a sheaf of papers from his bag.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    2. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To move (a body part) in a particular direction. [from 13th c.]
      She settled in the window seat, drawing her leg up beneath her.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    3. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) Often followed by tight: to pull (something, such as a belt or string) so that it tightens or wraps around something more closely. [from 17th c.]
      She took a deep breath and drew her corset-strings.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    4. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To drag (something), especially along the ground.
      Synonyms: hale, haul; see also Thesaurus:drag
    5. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To pull (blinds, a curtain, etc.) open or closed. [from 13th c.]
      She drew the curtains to let in the sunlight.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      You should draw the curtains at night for privacy.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      • 1944 November and December, “"Duplex Roomette" Sleeping Cars”, in Railway Magazine, page 324:
        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.
        Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
    6. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) 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.
    7. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) Chiefly followed by aside or to one side: to move (someone) away from a group of people in order to speak to them privately.
    8. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, reflexiveCategory:English reflexive verbs#DRAW) To assume a specific attitude or position, either by pulling in or stretching out one's body or limbs. [from 17th c.]
      He drew himself to his full height and glowered at the interloper.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    9. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, figurative)
      1. 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. [from 14th c.]
      2. (archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) To cause (someone or something) to go from one place to another, or from one condition to another.
      3. (archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) To construct (a canal, wall, etc.) from one point to another. [from 15th c.]
      4. (billiardsCategory:en:Billiards#DRAW) 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. [from 19th c.]
      5. (bowlsCategory:en:Bowls (game)#DRAW) To cause (a bowl) to move in a curve to a certain place.
      6. (cricketCategory:en:Cricket#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) 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. [from 19th c.]
      7. (curlingCategory:en:Curling#DRAW) To play (a shot or a stone) that lands in the house (“circular target”). [from 18th c.]
      8. (golfCategory:en:Golf#DRAW) 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. [from 19th c.]
        • 2013, Nick Bradley, Kinetic Golf:
          […] 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.
          Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
      9. (nauticalCategory:en:Nautical#DRAW) Of a vessel: to require (a certain depth of water) to float in. [from 15th c.]
        This ship draws ten feet of water.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    10. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, historicalCategory:English terms with historical senses#DRAW)
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
    11. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, archeryCategory:en:Archery#DRAW) 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. [from 12th c.]
    12. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, arithmeticCategory:en:Arithmetic#DRAW) To subject (a number) to an arithmetic operation.
    13. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, fishingCategory:en:Fishing#DRAW) to haul in (a fishing net) which has been cast; also, to drag (a fishing net) alongside a boat.
    14. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, nauticalCategory:en:Nautical#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) To hoist (a sail).
    15. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, UKCategory:British English#DRAW, regionalCategory:Regional English#DRAW) To carry (a load) in a vehicle; to cart, to haul.
    16. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To sew together (the edges of a tear); also, to mend (a hole or tear) in fabric.
      2. To use (a draught animal) to pull a plough or vehicle.
      3. (figurative) To attribute (something) to a person or thing; to ascribe.
        Synonyms: attach, impute, lay; see also Thesaurus:ascribe
      4. (figurative) To change (something) into another thing; to convert, to transform.
        Synonyms: shift, transfigure; see also Thesaurus:convert
      5. (figurative) 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.
      6. (figurative) To direct (one's heart, thoughts, etc.) in a certain way or towards someone or something.
      7. (figurative) To give (courage, strength, etc.) to oneself; to summon up; also, to produce (evil, wickedness, etc.) in oneself.
      8. (figurative) To give (words) a certain meaning, especially one which is distorted; to distort, to misrepresent.
      9. (figurative, cookingCategory:en:Cooking#DRAW) Followed by through: to pass (food) through a strainer.
      10. (figurative, cookingCategory:en:Cooking#DRAW) 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.
    17. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To be (able to be) pulled in a particular direction or manner.
    18. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Of blinds, a curtain, etc.: to be pulled open or closed.
    19. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, figurative)
      1. (bowlsCategory:en:Bowls (game)#DRAW) Of a bowl: to move in a curve to a certain place.
      2. (curlingCategory:en:Curling#DRAW) To make a shot that lands in the house.
      3. (nauticalCategory:en:Nautical#DRAW) 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.
    20. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW)
      1. Especially of a draught animal: to pull something, such as a plough or vehicle, along; to have force to move something by pulling. [from 14th c.]
      2. Of a plough or vehicle: to be pulled along in a specified manner. [from 19th c.]
      3. To become contracted; to shrink. [from 17th c.]
    21. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, archeryCategory:en:Archery#DRAW) 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.
    22. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, ScotlandCategory:Scottish English#DRAW, figurative, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) To work together towards a common aim; to cooperate, to pull together; also, to have a good relationship with; to get on with.
    23. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To be dragged along; to drag.
      2. To pull at something; to tug.
        • 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad:
          […] 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.
          Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
  2. Senses relating to attracting.
    1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To induce (the attention, the eyes or mind, etc.) to be directed at or focused on something. [from 9th c.]
      From the moment she entered the room, all eyes were drawn to her.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      His mind was drawn back to the events of the preceding morning.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      • 1964 April, “Letters: Rethinking emergency procedures”, in Modern Railways, page 274:
        Handsignalmen, where needed, ought to wear a conspicuous orange/yellow cape (like many road workmen) to draw attention to them.
        Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
    2. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) 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. [from 12th c.]
      Synonyms: bring, convince, procure; see also Thesaurus:persuade
    3. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To attract (something) by means of a physical force, especially gravity or magnetism. [from 14th c.]
      Synonyms: pull; see also Thesaurus:attract
    4. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To attract or provoke (a particular reaction or response) from someone. [from 16th c.]
      Synonyms: evoke, induce, rouse; see also Thesaurus:incite
      The president’s comments have drawn strong criticism from right-wing media outlets.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    5. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To cause (something) to occur as a consequence; to bring about. [from 14th c.]
      Synonyms: cause, effectuate, implement, produce
    6. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) Followed by on or upon: to bring (disaster or misfortune) on oneself.
    7. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To receive (a particular prison sentence).
    8. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To take (air, smoke, etc.) into the lungs; to breathe in, to inhale. [from 13th c.]
      I drew a deep breath and wiped my brow.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    9. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To cause (air) to be sucked into a duct, a room, etc.
    10. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) To drag or suck deeply on (a cigarette, pipe, or other smoking implement).
    11. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, originally and chiefly militaryCategory:en:Military#DRAW) To attract or provoke gunfire, either intentionally or unintentionally.
    12. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To attract or influence a person or group of people; to be an inducement or enticement.
    13. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To take a drink of a beverage, especially an alcoholic one; to swig.
    14. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Of a duct, smoking implement, etc.: to allow air to be passed through it in order that combustion can occur. [from 18th c.]
      The chimney won’t draw properly if it’s clogged up with soot.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    15. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Followed by at or on: to drag or suck deeply on a cigarette, pipe, or other smoking implement.
    16. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Chiefly followed by about or around: of a group of people: to come together; to assemble, to congregate, to gather.
  3. Senses relating to extending or protracting.
    1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To make (something) larger or longer; to elongate, to stretch. [from 14th c.]
      The dough was run through the pasta machine and drawn into a long ribbon.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    2. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) Followed by out: to flatten (a piece of metal), usually by hammering.
    3. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) 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. [from 13th c.]
      to draw a mass of metal into wireCategory:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    4. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To make (straw straight for thatching by pulling it through the hands.
    5. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To amount to (a certain quantity or sum).
      2. To extend the duration of (something); to prolong. [10th–19th c.]
      3. To stretch (someone) on a rack as a form of punishment or torture.
    6. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To be made larger or longer; to be elongated or stretched.
    7. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To make straw straight for thatching by pulling it through the hands.
    8. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, nauticalCategory:en:Nautical#DRAW) Of a sail: to fill with wind and become taut. [from 17th c.]
      The ship’s sail drew when the wind blew strongly.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    9. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To amount to a certain quantity or sum.
      2. To extend in area or space; to spread, to stretch.
  4. Senses relating to extracting or selecting.
    1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To pull (something) out; to extract, to remove.
      1. To extract (a tooth); to pull. [from 16th c.]
      2. To extract (juice, oil, or some other fluid) from something by osmosis, pressure, or another process. [from 16th c.]
      3. To extract (a small amount of liquid, especially blood) by puncturing a surface, or by using a pipette, syringe, or other suction device.
        The cat scratched her, drawing blood.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      4. To leave (tea) temporarily in water to allow the flavour to increase; to infuse, to steep. [from 18th c.]
      5. To pull out (a firearm, sword, or other weapon) from a holster, sheath, etc.; to unsheathe. [from 12th c.]
        They drew their swords and fought each other.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
        • 1982, Paul Radley, My Blue-Checker Corker and Me, Sydney: Fontana/Collins, page 16:
          Matthew Garth woulda let Tom Dunstan drill him insteada drawin’ against him.
          Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
        • 2024 September 8, HarryBlank, “Next to Nothing”, in SCP Foundation‎, archived from the original on 5 October 2024:
          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.
          Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
      6. To take (a beverage) from a cask or keg using a pump or tap; to tap.
      7. To take up (water) from a well or other source, especially by lifting in a container or pumping. [from 13th c.]
        to draw water from a well using a bucketCategory:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      8. 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.).
      9. Of a channel, drain, etc.: to carry (water) away.
      10. (historicalCategory:English terms with historical senses#DRAW) Chiefly in draw and quarter and hang, draw and quarter: to disembowel (someone), especially after hanging as a punishment for high treason. [from 13th c.]
      11. (cookingCategory:en:Cooking#DRAW) To remove the viscera from (an animal, especially a bird) before cooking.
      12. (medicineCategory:en:Medicine#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) 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. [from 14th c.]
      13. (miningCategory:en:Mining#DRAW) To raise (coal or ore) from an underground mine to the surface.
    2. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) 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. [from 14th c.]
      The winning lottery numbers were drawn every Tuesday.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    3. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To conduct, or select the winning numbers, tickets, etc., for, (a lottery). [from 16th c.]
    4. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To remove the contents of (something, especially a kiln or oven); to empty.
    5. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To fill a bathtub with (water for a bath); to run (a bath). [from 19th c.]
    6. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW)
      1. To withdraw (something); specifically (gamblingCategory:en:Betting#DRAW), to withdraw (a bet or wager); also (horse racingCategory:en:Horse racing#DRAW), to withdraw (a horse) from a race. [from 17th c.]
      2. (UKCategory:British English#DRAW, regionalCategory:Regional English#DRAW, agricultureCategory:en:Agriculture#DRAW, horticultureCategory:en:Horticulture#DRAW) Of a plant or its roots: to deplete (soil) of nutrients.
    7. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, agricultureCategory:en:Agriculture#DRAW) To separate (sheep) from a flock for a particular purpose, such as breeding or selling.
    8. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, card gamesCategory:en:Card games#DRAW) To be dealt or to take (a playing card) from the deck; also, to have (a particular hand) as a result of this. [from 16th c.]
      At the start of their turn, each player must draw a card.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    9. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, fishingCategory:en:Fishing#DRAW) To fish by dragging a fishing net along (a shore) or in (a body of water).
    10. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, huntingCategory:en:Hunting#DRAW) To search (a covert, a wood, etc.) for game or a quarry.
    11. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, sportsCategory:en:Sports#DRAW) To end (a game or match) with neither side winning, that is, in a draw. [from 17th c.]
      I drew my last game against him.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, cricketCategory:en:Cricket#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.
        Coordinate term: tie
    12. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, manufacturingCategory:en:Manufacturing#DRAW, historicalCategory:English terms with historical senses#DRAW) To separate (a length of lace made by machine) into sections by removing the threads connecting the sections.
    13. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, northern ScotlandCategory:Scottish English#DRAW) To take milk from (a cow); to milk.
    14. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. (agricultureCategory:en:Agriculture#DRAW) To separate (seeds) from the husks of clover or trefoil; also, to separate seeds from the husks of (clover or trefoil).
      2. (cricketCategory:en:Cricket#DRAW, rareCategory:English terms with rare senses#DRAW) To take (a wicket).
      3. (falconryCategory:en:Falconry#DRAW) To remove (a hawk) from a mew after it has moulted.
      4. (thieves' cantCategory:English Thieves' Cant#DRAW) To steal (something) from a person, especially by picking a pocket; also to pick the pocket of (someone); to steal from (a place).
    15. (analogous) To consume (power).
      The circuit draws three hundred watts.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    16. To obtain, elicit.
      1. To take (something) from a particular source, especially of information; to derive. [from 13th c.]
        He drew comfort from the thought that he was not the first to suffer this way.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
        She draws her subject matter from the events of her own life.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      2. To call forth (something) from a person, to elicit. [from 14th c.]
      3. To deduce or infer (a conclusion); to make (a deduction). [from 16th c.]
        He tried to draw a conclusion from the facts.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      4. To receive (a salary); to withdraw (money) from a bank etc. [from 16th c.]
      5. To elicit information from (someone); to induce (a person) to speak on some subject. (Now frequently in passive.) [from 19th c.]
        He refused to be drawn on the subjectCategory:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    17. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To pull out a firearm, sword, or other weapon from a holster, sheath, etc.
    18. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) To take up water from a well or other source, especially by lifting it in a container or pumping it.
    19. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) 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.
    20. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) 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.
      Tea is much nicer if you let it draw for more than two minutes before pouring.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    21. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Of a bathtub: to be filled with water for a bath; to be run.
    22. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Of a channel, drain, etc.: to carry water away.
    23. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) Of a liquid: to drain away, to percolate.
    24. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, medicineCategory:en:Medicine#DRAW, archaicCategory:English terms with archaic senses#DRAW) 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.
    25. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, card gamesCategory:en:Card games#DRAW) To be dealt or to take a playing card from the deck.
      Jill has four diamonds; she’ll try to draw for a flush.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    26. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, dominoesCategory:en:Dominoes#DRAW) To take a domino from the stock.
    27. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, sportsCategory:en:Sports#DRAW) To end a game or match with neither side winning, that is, in a draw; to tie.
      We drew the last time we played.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    28. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To take alcoholic beverages from casks or kegs in an inn or tavern; to work as a drawer or barman.
      2. (falconryCategory:en:Falconry#DRAW) To remove a hawk from a mew after it has moulted.
  5. Senses relating to moving or travelling.
    1. (reflexiveCategory:English reflexive verbs#DRAW, now rareCategory:English terms with rare senses#DRAW) To move in a specific direction. [from 12th c.]
    2. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW, used with prepositions and adverbs) To move steadily in a particular direction or into a specific position. [from 13th c.]
      The runners drew level with each other as they approached the finish line.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      Draw near to the fire and I will tell you a tale.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      The end of the world draws near.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      Heavy clouds drew together above our heads.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    3. To come to, towards (a particular moment in time); to approach (a time). [from 14th c.]
      As it drew towards evening, I packed up and headed for home.Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
      • 1962 October, “The Victoria Line was only part of the plan”, in Modern Railways, page 258:
        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.
        Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
    4. (huntingCategory:en:Hunting#DRAW, now rareCategory:English terms with rare senses#DRAW) To search for game; to track a quarry. [from 16th c.]
  7. Senses relating to depicting or representing.
    1. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To produce (a figure, line, picture, representation of something, etc.) with a piece of chalk, a crayon, a pen, a pencil, or other instrument. [from 14th c.]
      He had drawn a mural on the wall of his apartment.
      Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    2. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To carve or shape (something) by cutting off thin pieces.
    3. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) To make (a comparison or contrast) between two or more things; to compare; to contrast, to distinguish.
    4. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) 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.
    5. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW) Now chiefly in the form draw up: to compose or write (a piece of text, especially a formal document). [from 14th c.]
      to draw a memorial, a deed, or bill of exchange
      Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    6. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, figurative) To depict (something) linguistically; to portray (something) in words; to describe. [from 14th c.]
      Her first novel contained a host of characters who were richly and convincingly drawn.
      Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    7. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, agricultureCategory:en:Agriculture#DRAW) To create (a furrow) by pulling a plough through soil.
    8. (transitiveCategory:English transitive verbs#DRAW, obsoleteCategory:English terms with obsolete senses#DRAW)
      1. To arrange or devise (something); to contrive.
      2. To produce (a three-dimensional figure of something); to model, to mould, to sculpt.
    9. (intransitiveCategory:English intransitive verbs#DRAW) 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. [from 15th c.]
      When I came in she was drawing on a big piece of coloured paper.
      Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW

Conjugation

Derived terms

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Interjection

drawCategory:English lemmas#DRAWCategory:English interjections#DRAWCategory:English entries with incorrect language header#DRAWCategory:Pages with entries#DRAWCategory:Pages with 2 entries#DRAW

  1. (archeryCategory:en:Archery#DRAW) Pull back your bowstring in preparation to shoot.

Noun

draw (countable and uncountable, plural draws)Category:English lemmas#DRAWCategory:English nouns#DRAWCategory:English uncountable nouns#DRAWCategory:English countable nouns#DRAWCategory:English countable nouns#DRAWCategory:English entries with incorrect language header#DRAWCategory:Pages with entries#DRAWCategory:Pages with 2 entries#DRAW

  1. That which draws: that which attracts e.g. a crowd.
  2. The act of drawing:
    1. The act of drawing a gun from a holster, etc.
      the Wild West's quick-draw championCategory:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    2. The procedure by which the result of a lottery is determined.
      • 2011 January 29, Chris Bevan, “Torquay 0 - 1 Crawley Town”, in BBC‎:
        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.
        Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
    3. (archeryCategory:en:Archery#DRAW) The act of pulling back the strings in preparation of firing; the distance the strings are pulled back.
      • 2016 August 25, Mike Loades, The Composite Bow, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN, page 21:
        This configuration offered the capacity for an exceptionally long draw – Manchu archers drew all the way back to the point of the right shoulder […]
        Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
  3. The result of drawing:
    2. The result of a contest that neither side has won.
      Synonym: tie
      Hyponym: stalemateCategory:English links with manual fragments#DRAW
      The game ended in a draw.
      Category:English terms with usage examples#DRAW
    3. (cricketCategory:en:Cricket#DRAW) 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).
  4. That which is drawn (e.g. funds from an account).
    They're going to take away our draw! (referring to e.g. disability assistance)
    1. In a commission-based job, an advance on future (potential) commissions given to an employee by the employer.
  5. Draft: flow through a flue of gasses (smoke) resulting from a combustion process, possibly adjustable with a damper.
  6. (sportsCategory:en:Sports#DRAW) The spin or twist imparted to a ball etc. by a drawing stroke.
  7. (golfCategory:en:Golf#DRAW) A golf shot that (for the right-handed player) curves intentionally to the left. See hook, slice, fade.
  8. (curlingCategory:en:Curling#DRAW) A shot that is intended to land gently in the house (the circular target) without knocking out other stones; cf. takeout.
  10. (geographyCategory:en:Geography#DRAW) A dry stream bed that drains surface water only during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
  11. (slangCategory:English slang#DRAW, countableCategory:English countable nouns#DRAW) A bag of cannabis.
  12. (slangCategory:English slang#DRAW, uncountableCategory:English uncountable nouns#DRAW) Cannabis.
  13. (pokerCategory:en:Poker#DRAW) 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.
    • 2007, Ryan Wiseman, Earn $30,000 Per Month Playing Online Poker: A Step-By-Step Guide to Single, page 82:
      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
      Category:English terms with quotations#DRAW
  14. (horse racingCategory:en:Horse racing#DRAW) The stall from which a horse begins the race.

Synonyms

  • (the result of a contest in which neither side has won): stalemate
  • (dry stream bed that drains water during periods of heavy precipitation): wash, arroyo, wadi, dry creek

Derived terms

Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

References

  1. ↑ “drauen, v.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.
  2. ↑ Compare “draw, v.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, March 2025; “draw, v.”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.
  3. ↑ “drau(e, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.
  4. ↑ Compare “draw, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, March 2025.

Further reading

Anagrams

Category:English strong verbs#DRAWCategory:English contranyms#DRAWCategory:English irregular verbs#DRAW Category:en:Landforms#DRAWCategory:en:Marijuana#DRAWCategory:en:Tea#DRAWCategory:en:Water#DRAW

Welsh

Etymology

Related to Breton treu, Old Breton dydreu, didreu.

Pronunciation

Adverb

drawCategory:Welsh lemmas#DRAWCategory:Welsh adverbs#DRAWCategory:Welsh entries with incorrect language header#DRAWCategory:Pages with entries#DRAWCategory:Pages with 2 entries#DRAW

  1. there, yonder, beyond
    Synonyms: acw, hwnt
    Mae'n byw ochr draw'r mynydd. ― He/She lives on the other/far side of the mountain.Category:Welsh terms with usage examples#DRAW
  2. over
    Dere draw ar ôl y gwaith. ― Come over after work.Category:Welsh terms with usage examples#DRAW

Usage notes

This adverb, originally the a soft-mutated form of traw, is found almost exclusively as unmutatable draw today except in literary contexts where forms such as aspirate-mutated thraw may be encountered.

Derived terms

Further reading

  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke, et al., editors (1950–present), “draw”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies
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