to make liquid flow away from something, or for liquid to flow away by itself
After washing the rice, she tilted the bowl to let the water drain into the sink.
The mechanic drained the old oil from the car and poured in fresh oil.
✦ From Old English drēahnian “to dry up, drain”, related to dry.
a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted water or other liquid
Leaves had blocked the street drain, causing a large puddle.
He lifted the grate to clean the drain under the driveway.
to gradually use up or reduce something such as someone’s energy, money, or time
Long meetings always drain my energy.
Paying the unexpected medical bills drained their savings.
something that continuously uses up money, energy, or another resource
The old car became a real drain on their finances.
Constant repairs were a serious drain on the school budget.
a tube inserted into a wound or surgical site to remove fluid
The surgeon placed a small drain to prevent fluid from building up after the operation.
The nurse checked the surgical drain and recorded the amount of fluid.
