Draw

/drɔː/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
5 meanings4 idioms/phrases5 questions

Definitions

5 meanings
1

To make a picture or image using lines, usually with a pencil or pen.

/drɔː/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To create a picture using a pencil, pen, or other implement.

He enjoys drawing landscapes in his free time.

💡 Simply: It's like using a crayon or pencil to make a picture on paper. Think of when you sketch your favorite cartoon character!

👶 For kids: To make a picture with a pencil or crayon.

More Examples

2

Can you draw a simple house for me?

3

The artist drew a detailed sketch of the city skyline.

How It's Used

Art

"She likes to draw portraits of her family."

Education

"The art class learned how to draw still life objects."

2

To pull or drag something towards yourself or in a certain direction.

/drɔː/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To pull or move something.

He drew water from the well.

💡 Simply: Like when you pull something closer to you, like a book from a shelf or the curtains in your room.

👶 For kids: To pull something towards you.

More Examples

2

She drew the blinds to darken the room.

3

The knight drew his sword.

How It's Used

Everyday life

"She drew the curtains to block out the sunlight."

Sports

"He drew back his arm to throw the baseball."

Tip:Think of *drawing* a bow; you pull it back to shoot an arrow.
3

To attract or entice someone to do something or to a place.

/drɔː/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To attract someone's attention or interest.

The new exhibit drew crowds of visitors.

💡 Simply: When something grabs your attention and makes you want to be part of it. Think about the delicious smell of cookies that *draws* you to the kitchen.

👶 For kids: To make someone want to come closer or be interested.

More Examples

2

His charisma drew people to him.

3

The promise of a prize drew many entries in the contest.

How It's Used

General

"The film drew a large audience."

Advertising

"The promotion was designed to draw customers to the store."

Tip:Think about what *draws* you to a particular activity, such as playing a game or watching a movie.
4

To take out or receive money from a bank account, or other financial source.

/drɔː/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To take out or receive (money).

He drew his salary at the end of the month.

💡 Simply: When you take money out of your bank account. Imagine taking money to buy your favorite toy!

👶 For kids: To take money out from a bank.

More Examples

2

She had to draw on her savings to pay her bills.

3

They drew a large sum of money to start their new business.

How It's Used

Finance

"She drew a large sum of money from her savings account."

Business

"The company drew a loan from the bank."

Tip:Think about *drawing* money from an ATM; you take it out.
5

A situation where the score is the same at the end of a game or competition; a tie.

/drɔː/

nounneutralBeginner
Situation

A tie or the act of drawing in a game.

The soccer game ended in a draw.

💡 Simply: When a game ends and both teams get the same score. It's like a tie!

👶 For kids: When a game ends and nobody wins.

More Examples

2

Their first game resulted in a draw.

3

The match was a draw after extra time.

How It's Used

Sports

"The match ended in a draw."

Competition

"The final round resulted in a draw."

Tip:Think of a game ending where neither side wins, resulting in a *draw*.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

draw a blank

To be unable to remember something.

"I drew a blank when asked about his name."

draw the line

To set a limit; to refuse to go beyond a certain point.

"I'm willing to help, but I have to draw the line at doing your homework for you."

draw a conclusion

To make a judgment or form an opinion after thinking about the facts.

"After examining the evidence, the jury drew a conclusion."

draw inspiration

To find inspiration or motivation from something.

"The artist drew inspiration from nature to create his paintings."

From Old English *dragan*, from Proto-Germanic *draganą* meaning 'to drag, pull'. Related to Dutch *dragen* and German *tragen*.

The word 'draw' has existed in English since Old English times, used with a range of meanings similar to today.

Memory tip

Imagine you are *drawing* a line with a pencil; you're making a visual creation.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"To drag, pull"

draw a picturedraw a conclusiondraw the curtainsdraw moneydraw inspiration

Common misspellings

drewdrawsdrawe

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written