Pouring
ˈpɔːrɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo cause a liquid or other substance to flow from a container.
ˈpɔːrɪŋ
To cause (a liquid) to flow from a container.
She was pouring hot coffee into her favorite mug.
💡 Simply: Pouring is like tipping something over to let the stuff inside come out, like when you pour juice into a glass. Think of a waterfall, but controlled.
👶 For kids: Making a liquid go from one place to another, like from a cup into a bowl.
More Examples
He poured the concrete for the foundation.
The rain was pouring all day long.
How It's Used
"She was pouring the milk into the pan."
"He poured himself a glass of water."
To direct or send (something) in a continuous stream or flow, often used figuratively.
ˈpɔːrɪŋ
To send or direct something toward someone or something, often in abundance.
The government is pouring funds into renewable energy projects.
💡 Simply: Think of pouring, but instead of liquids, it's like sending a whole bunch of something, like money or help, towards a project or person. Like a stream of goodness or support.
👶 For kids: Giving a lot of something to someone or something, like giving a lot of money.
More Examples
She poured her heart out in a letter to her friend.
The company is pouring all its efforts into the new campaign.
How It's Used
"The company is pouring resources into research."
"They are pouring aid into the disaster zone."
Raining heavily.
ˈpɔːrɪŋ
Describing heavy rainfall.
The weather forecast predicted pouring rain.
💡 Simply: When it's raining really hard, like a waterfall from the sky, that's pouring rain.
👶 For kids: When rain comes down really, really hard!
More Examples
The kids stayed indoors because of the pouring downpour.
We canceled the picnic because of the pouring rain.
How It's Used
"We had pouring rain all weekend."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
pour out (one's heart)
To tell someone all your feelings and secrets.
"She poured out her heart to her friend about her troubles."
it never rains but it pours
Problems and misfortunes happen in a large number, or all at the same time.
"First the car broke down, and then I lost my wallet – it never rains but it pours!"
From Middle English *pouren*, from Old French *purer* ('to pour'), from Latin *purare* ('to purify, cleanse'). The meaning shifted over time to focus on the act of flowing liquid.
Historically, 'pour' has been used since the 13th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent, although metaphorical uses have expanded.
Memory tip
Imagine a waiter carefully pouring wine into a glass - the action defines it.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: purare