Pour: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฆ
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pour

 

[ pษ”หr ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

cooking

To cause (a liquid) to flow from a container in a steady stream by holding the container at an angle.

Synonyms

flow, spill, stream.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pour

Used when a liquid is transferred from one container to another, often in a controlled manner.

  • She poured the milk into the cup.
  • Can you pour me some water?
spill

Describes liquid escaping from a container unintentionally and spreading, often implying a mess or accident. This has a negative connotation.

  • He accidentally spilled his coffee all over the table.
  • Be careful not to spill the paint.
flow

Describes the movement of liquid in a continuous, steady manner, often naturally or smoothly.

  • The river flows gently through the valley.
  • Tears flowed down her cheeks.
stream

Describes continuous movement resembling a small, narrow river, often emphasizing speed or a steady flow.

  • A stream of cars passed by.
  • A stream of water trickled down the mountain.

Examples of usage

  • I poured the milk into the bowl.
  • She poured the wine into the glass.
Context #2 | Verb

rain

To rain heavily.

Synonyms

pour down, rain heavily, teem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pour

Used in everyday conversation to describe moderate to heavy, continuous rainfall.

  • It's starting to pour outside, donโ€™t forget your umbrella.
  • They had to cancel the picnic because it began to pour.
rain heavily

A more neutral, descriptive term often used in reports, weather forecasts, and formal contexts to describe very heavy rain.

  • It rained heavily last night, causing some flooding.
  • The match was called off due to heavy rain.
pour down

Used similarly to 'pour' but often implies more intense rainfall. Commonly used in conversations and informal writing.

  • We got soaked because it was pouring down.
  • The weather forecast said it would pour down all afternoon.
teem

Less commonly used, more literary or formal phrase meaning very heavy rainfall. Can also suggest an overwhelming amount or abundance.

  • The sky darkened and soon it began to teem, drenching everything in sight.
  • It has been teeming down for hours without a break.

Examples of usage

  • It poured all day yesterday.
  • The rain poured down in buckets.
Context #3 | Noun

liquid

A steady flow of a liquid.

Synonyms

flow, rush, stream.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pour

Used primarily when describing liquid being transferred from one container to another, often in a controlled or deliberate manner.

  • She decided to pour herself a glass of wine.
  • The waitress poured coffee into their cups.
flow

Describes a steady and continuous movement of a liquid, gas, or even abstract concepts like ideas. It implies smooth and uninterrupted motion.

  • The river flows gently towards the sea.
  • Creative ideas seemed to flow effortlessly during the brainstorming session.
stream

Refers to liquids or data moving continuously in one direction, often in a natural or digital environment. It can also apply to people or things moving in a steady flow.

  • Tears began to stream down her face.
  • You can stream the latest movies online.
rush

Implies a sudden and often urgent movement of liquid, people, or other entities. It carries a sense of urgency or speed.

  • When the dam broke, water began to rush through the valley.
  • The crowd rushed to take advantage of the sale.

Examples of usage

  • She watched the pour of the waterfall.
  • The pour of the oil was slow and thick.

Translations

Translations of the word "pour" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น despejar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคพเคฒเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช gieรŸen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menuangkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะปะธะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ laฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆณจใ (ใใใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท verser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ verter

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรถkmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋”ฐ๋ฅด๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุตุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nalรญt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ naliaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ€’ (dร o)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ naliti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ heila

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒกแƒฎแƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tรถkmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ verter

Etymology

The word 'pour' originated from the Old French word 'purer', which means 'to pour, pour out'. The term has been in use in English since the Middle English period, evolving from 'pouren' to 'pouren' and finally 'pour'. The concept of pouring liquids has been essential in human history, from pouring water for drinking to pouring liquids in cooking and manufacturing processes.

See also: downpour, outpouring, pouring.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,277 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.