Drawing: meaning, definitions and examples

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drawing

 

[ ˈdrɔːɪŋ ]

Context #1 | Noun

art

The art of making pictures or diagrams with a pencil, pen, or brush.

Synonyms

doodling, illustrating, sketching.

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Word Description / Examples
drawing

Used to describe the process or result of creating an image using tools like pencils, pens, or markers, often with attention to detail and technique.

  • She spent hours on a drawing of the sunset
  • The children enjoyed drawing pictures of animals
sketching

Refers to making rough, quick drawings often used as a preliminary step for more detailed artwork or to capture an idea rapidly.

  • She sat down by the river, sketching the landscape
  • He is sketching out his ideas for the new project
illustrating

Commonly used when creating images that complement or explain text, typically for books, articles, manuals, or presentations.

  • She is illustrating a children's book
  • He is illustrating an article for the magazine
doodling

Refers to the act of making spontaneous, unfocused marks or simple drawings, often while distracted or thinking about something else.

  • He was doodling in his notebook during the meeting
  • She amused herself by doodling on the edge of her papers

Examples of usage

  • She has a talent for drawing.
  • He enjoys drawing landscapes and portraits.
Context #2 | Noun

lottery

A lottery in which the prizes are drawn in the form of lots.

Synonyms

lottery, raffle, sweepstakes.

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Word Description / Examples
drawing

Used when discussing the act of selecting winners in a formal event or competition, typically in a smaller, more controlled setting.

  • The company held a drawing to give away free products to their customers.
  • We will announce the winner at the end of the drawing.
raffle

Generally used for events often organized to raise funds for a specific cause, where participants buy tickets to win various prizes.

  • They are hosting a raffle to raise money for the school playground.
  • I bought a ticket for the charity raffle.
lottery

Commonly used for state-run or national games of chance where participants buy tickets for a chance to win large cash prizes.

  • He won a million dollars in the state lottery.
  • She buys a lottery ticket every week.
sweepstakes

Typically used for commercial promotions or contests where participants enter for free or by making a purchase, and winners are chosen randomly.

  • I entered the sweepstakes to win a new car.
  • The magazine is offering a sweepstakes with big prizes.

Examples of usage

  • She won a prize in the drawing.
  • The drawing will take place next Friday.
Context #3 | Noun

pulling

The act of pulling something or someone.

Synonyms

hauling, pulling, tugging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drawing

Use this to describe a process of extracting something, such as water from a well or blood for a test.

  • The nurse is drawing blood for the test
  • They are drawing water from the well
pulling

Use this to describe applying force to move something towards oneself or in the direction of the force.

  • She was pulling the door to open it
  • He kept pulling the rope to lift the bucket
tugging

Use this to describe short, sharp pulls, often involving a sense of struggle. This word can sometimes have a negative tone.

  • The dog was tugging on its leash, trying to run
  • The child was tugging at his mother's sleeve to get her attention
hauling

Use this to describe the act of pulling or dragging something heavy, often involving significant effort or mechanical assistance.

  • The workers were hauling the heavy machinery into place
  • We spent the afternoon hauling loads of lumber for the project

Examples of usage

  • The drawing of the curtains.
  • The drawing of the cart.

Translations

Translations of the word "drawing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desenho

🇮🇳 चित्र

🇩🇪 Zeichnung

🇮🇩 gambar

🇺🇦 малюнок

🇵🇱 rysunek

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 dessin

🇪🇸 dibujo

🇹🇷 çizim

🇰🇷 그림

🇸🇦 رسم

🇨🇿 kresba

🇸🇰 kresba

🇨🇳 绘画

🇸🇮 risba

🇮🇸 teikning

🇰🇿 сурет

🇬🇪 ხატვა

🇦🇿 çəkiliş

🇲🇽 dibujo

Etymology

The word 'drawing' has its origin from the Middle English word 'drawen', which comes from Old English 'drāwan' meaning 'to pull, drag'. The term evolved over time to encompass various meanings such as creating images, conducting lotteries, and the act of pulling. Drawing has been an essential form of artistic expression throughout history, with its techniques and styles continuously evolving.

See also: draw, drawable, drawback, drawer, drawings, drawn, withdraw.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,819, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.