draw
You draw beautifully.
To produce a picture of something using a pencil, pen etc
You draw beautifully.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
verb (draws, drawing, drew /, has drawn )
pronunciation
The word draw sounds like more.
1 to make a picture with a pen or a pencil:
She drew a picture of a horse.
He has drawn a car.
My sister draws well.
2 to pull or take something from a place:
I drew my chair up closer to the fire.
He drew a knife from his pocket.
3 to pull something to make it move:
The carriage was drawn by two horses.
4 to open or close curtains:
I switched on the light and drew the curtains.
5 to move or come:
The train drew into the station.
6 to end a game with the same number of points for both players or teams:
Liverpool and Tottenham drew in last Saturday's match.
draw back to move away from somebody or something:
He came close but she drew back.
draw something out to take money out of a bank:
I drew out £50 before I went shopping.
draw up to come to a place and stop:
A taxi drew up outside the house.
draw something up to write something:
They drew up a list of people who they wanted to invite.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
draw
I. draw1 S1 W1 /drɔː $ drɒː/ BrE AmE verb (past tense drew /druː/, past participle drawn /drɔːn $ drɒːn/)
[Language: Old English; Origin: dragan]
1. PICTURE [intransitive and transitive] to produce a picture of something using a pencil, pen etc:
Katie had drawn a cottage with a little stream running next to it.
She asked the little girl to draw a picture of the man she’d spoken to.
Keith was drawing a complicated-looking graph.
I’ve never been able to draw very well.
draw somebody something
Can you draw me a map of how to get there?
2. draw (sb’s) attention to make someone notice something
draw (sb’s) attention to
I have been asked to draw your attention to the following points.
A dark house can draw attention to the fact that the house is empty.
draw attention to yourself
He didn’t want to draw attention to himself.
The case drew international attention.
3. draw a conclusion to decide that a particular fact or principle is true according to the information you have been given
draw a conclusion from
It would be unwise to draw firm conclusions from the results of a single survey.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say reach a conclusion or come to a conclusion.
4. draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc to compare two people or things and show how they are similar or different
draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc between
The author draws a comparison between East and West Germany and the North-South divide in England.
The report draws a distinction between various forms of health care.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say make a comparison or distinction (but NOT make a parallel).
5. GET A REACTION [transitive] to get a particular kind of reaction from someone
draw something from somebody
His remarks drew an angry response from Democrats.
draw praise/criticism
The movie drew praise from critics.
6. ATTRACT [transitive] to attract someone or make them want to do something
draw somebody to something
What first drew you to teaching?
Beth felt strangely drawn to this gentle stranger.
The festival is likely to draw huge crowds.
7. GET SOMETHING YOU NEED [transitive] to get something that you need or want from someone or something
draw something from something
I drew a lot of comfort from her kind words.
Plants draw nourishment from the soil.
8. GIVE INFORMATION be drawn [usually in negatives] to give information in reply to questions about something:
She refused to be drawn on the subject.
9. MOVE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move in a particular direction:
She drew away, but he pulled her close again.
The boat drew alongside us and a man appeared on the deck.
I arrived just as the train was drawing into the station.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull rather than draw:
▪ The train was pulling into the station.
10. draw near/closer to become closer in time or space:
Maria grew anxious as the men drew closer.
Christmas is drawing near.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say get nearer/closer:
▪ Christmas is getting nearer.
11. draw level to move into a position where you are equal to someone else in a race, game, or competition:
Black drew level with the other runners.
12. PULL SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move someone or something in a particular direction by pulling them gently
draw somebody/something aside/up/across etc
Bobby drew a chair up to the table.
Hussain drew me aside to whisper in my ear.
draw the curtains/a blind etc (=close them by pulling them gently)
13. PULL A VEHICLE [transitive] if an animal draws a vehicle, it pulls it along:
a carriage drawn by six horses
an ox-drawn cart
14. TAKE SOMETHING OUT [transitive] to take something out of a container, pocket etc
draw something out/from something
Ali reached into his pocket and drew out a piece of paper.
draw a gun/sword/weapon etc
Maria drew her gun nervously and peered out into the gloom.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull something out or take something out rather than draw something out:
▪ Ali reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.
15. draw a line (between something) to think or show that one thing is different from another:
Adolescents often use drugs simply to try to draw a line between their own and their parents’ way of life.
16. draw the line (at something) to allow or accept something up to a particular point, but not beyond it:
I don’t mind doing some gardening but I draw the line at digging.
17. where do you draw the line? spoken used to say it is impossible to decide at which point an acceptable limit has been reached:
Some say 50 is too old to have a baby, but where do you draw the line?
18. draw a line under something to say that something is completely finished and you will not think about it again:
I just want to draw a line under the relationship.
19. draw sb’s eye (to something) if something draws your eye, it makes you notice it:
My eye was drawn to a painting on the wall.
20. FROM A BANK (also draw out) [transitive] to take money from your bank account SYN withdraw:
Hughes had drawn $8,000 in cash from a bank in Toronto.
21. RECEIVE MONEY [transitive] to receive an amount of money regularly from a government or financial institution:
How long have you been drawing unemployment benefit?
I’ll be drawing my pension before he’ll ever get around to asking me to marry him!
22. draw a cheque (on something) British English, draw a check (on something) American English to write a cheque for taking money out of a particular bank account
23. BREATHE [intransitive and transitive] to take air or smoke into your lungs:
She drew a deep breath.
Ruth paused to draw breath, her voice barely hiding her excitement.
He lit his pipe and drew deeply.
24. draw breath to find time to have a rest when you are busy:
I’ve hardly had a moment to draw breath.
25. TAKE LIQUID FROM SOMETHING [transitive]
a) to take a liquid from something such as a ↑barrel or ↑tap
b) to take water from a ↑well
26. FIRE [intransitive] if a fire or ↑chimney draws, it lets the air flow through to make the fire burn well
27. CHOOSE [intransitive and transitive] to choose by chance a ticket etc that will win a prize:
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Christmas Party.
28. draw lots/straws to decide who will do something by taking pieces of paper out of a container or choosing ↑straws of hidden lengths:
We drew lots to see who would go first.
29. draw the short straw used to say that someone has been unlucky because they were chosen to do something that no one else wanted to do:
He drew the short straw and had to drive everyone to the party.
30. GAME [intransitive and transitive] especially British English to finish without either side winning in a game such as football SYN tie:
They drew 3–3.
draw with
Liverpool drew with Juventus.
31. be drawn against somebody British English to be chosen by chance to play or compete against someone:
England have been drawn against France in next month’s game.
32. draw a blank informal to be unsuccessful in finding information or the answer to a problem:
All his investigations have drawn a blank so far.
33. draw to a halt/stop if a vehicle draws to a halt or stop, it slows down and stops
34. draw to a close/end to end:
Festival-goers began to drift off as the evening drew to an end.
35. draw a veil over something to deliberately keep something unpleasant or embarrassing from being known:
I’d rather draw a veil over what happened last night.
36. draw blood
a) to make someone bleed:
The dog bit her so hard that it drew blood.
b) to make someone angry or embarrass them in an argument, especially a public one:
Barker sought to draw blood by mentioning his rival’s weakness of character.
37. draw a bow to bend a ↑bow by pulling back the string in order to shoot an ↑arrow
38. SHIP [transitive] technical if a ship draws a particular depth, it needs that depth of water to float in
⇨ be at daggers drawn at ↑dagger(3)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ draw to make a picture, pattern etc using a pen or pencil: The children were asked to draw a picture of their families. | I’m going to art classes to learn how to draw.
▪ sketch /sketʃ/ to draw a picture of something or someone quickly and without a lot of detail: Roy took a pencil and sketched the bird quickly, before it moved.
▪ illustrate to draw the pictures in a book: It’s a beautiful book, illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
▪ doodle /ˈduːdl/ to draw shapes or patterns without really thinking about what you are doing: He was on the phone, doodling on his notepad as he spoke.
▪ scribble to draw shapes or lines without making a definite picture or pattern. Small children do this before they have learned to draw or write: At the age of two, she loved scribbling with crayons and coloured pencils.
▪ trace to copy a picture by putting a piece of thin paper over it and drawing the lines that you can see through the paper: First trace the map, and then copy it into your workbooks.
draw back phrasal verb
1. to move backwards, especially because you are frightened or surprised:
Suddenly, she drew back, startled.
draw back in horror/shock/fear etc
She peeped into the box and drew back in horror.
2. to decide not to do something, especially because you think it would be bad for you SYN withdraw
draw back from
The government drew back from their extreme standpoint.
draw something ↔ down phrasal verb
to obtain money that it has been agreed that you can borrow, or to use money that has been saved:
He drew down the final $25 million of the loan.
draw in phrasal verb
1. British English if the days or nights draw in, it starts to get dark earlier in the evening because winter is coming:
In October the nights start drawing in.
2. draw somebody ↔ in to get someone involved in something:
We should use the demonstration as an opportunity to draw more supporters in.
Despite himself, he found himself being drawn in by the man’s warmth and ease.
3. draw in your horns British English to spend less money because you have financial problems
draw somebody into something phrasal verb
to make someone become involved in something, especially when they do not want to be involved:
He tried to draw her into conversation.
She found herself drawn into a disagreement between two of her neighbours.
draw something ↔ off phrasal verb
to remove some liquid from a larger supply:
The cold water is heated as it is drawn off.
draw on phrasal verb
1. draw on/upon something to use information, experience, knowledge etc for a particular purpose:
His work draws heavily on learning theories of the 1980s.
She has 20 years’ teaching experience to draw on.
2. draw on something to use part of a supply of something such as money:
I drew on my savings to pay for the repairs.
3. draw on a cigarette/cigar etc to breathe in smoke from a cigarette etc
4. British English formal if a period of time or an event draws on, it comes closer to its end:
Winter is drawing on.
As the journey drew on, he started to feel tired.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw on somebody's experience The books have drawn on the experience of practising teachers.
▪ draw on somebody's knowledge Fortunately I was able to draw on my own knowledge of the law.
▪ draw on somebody's resources The committee has drawn on the resources and skills of several local people.
▪ draw on somebody's ideas We hope that we will be able to draw on these ideas to develop the work further.
▪ draw on somebody's expertise (=expert knowledge and experience) Now we can draw on the expertise of some of the most talented network engineers.
draw out phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ out to take money from your bank account
2. draw somebody ↔ out to make someone feel less shy and more willing to talk:
She just needed someone to draw her out and take an interest in her.
3. draw something ↔ out formal to mention a particular piece of information and explain it clearly and in detail:
There are two major themes to be drawn out in this discussion.
4. draw something ↔ out to make an event last longer than usual:
The final question drew the meeting out for another hour. ⇨ ↑drawn-out
5. British English if the days or nights draw out, it stays light until later in the evening because summer is coming
draw up phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ up to prepare a written document, such as a list or contract:
Draw up a list of all the things you want to do.
draw up plans/proposals
He was asked to draw up proposals for reforming the law.
The contract was drawn up last year.
2. if a vehicle draws up, it arrives somewhere and stops:
A taxi drew up at the gate.
3. draw up a chair to move a chair closer to someone or something
4. draw yourself up (to your full height) to stand up very straight because you are angry or determined about something:
He drew himself up and said, ‘This has gone far enough’.
5. draw your knees up to bring your legs closer to your body:
Ruth sat, knees drawn up under her chin, and waited.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw up a plan/scheme Local authorities have drawn up new plans for waste disposal.
▪ draw up a proposal The European Communities were drawing up proposals to control the export of chemicals.
▪ draw up a list They drew up a list of suitable candidates for the job.
▪ draw up guidelines A committee of teachers has drawn up guidelines for schools on how to deal with difficult students.
▪ draw up a report Environmental organizations have been involved in drawing up the report.
▪ draw up a contract/agreement Some people draw up a contract when they get married.
▪ draw up a timetable/schedule They haven’t yet drawn up a timetable for the elections.
▪ draw up a programme A small team has drawn up a programme of action.
▪ draw up a constitution (=set of laws and principles that govern a country) The first Czech constitution was drawn up here in 1920.
▪ draw up a budget (=plan of how to spend the money that is available) Each year business managers draw up a budget.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
draw
draw [draw draws drew drawing drawn] verb, noun [drɔː] [drɔː]
verb (drew [druː] ; [druː] drawn [drɔːn] ; [drɔːn] )
MAKE PICTURES
1. intransitive, transitive to make pictures, or a picture of sth, with a pencil, pen or chalk (but not paint)
• You draw beautifully.
• ~ sth to draw a picture/diagram/graph
• She drew a house.
• He drew a circle in the sand with a stick.
• (figurative) The report drew a grim picture of inefficiency and corruption.
PULL
2. transitive ~ sth/sb + adv./prep. to move sth/sb by pulling it or them gently
• He drew the cork out of the bottle.
• I drew my chair up closer to the fire.
• She drew me onto the balcony.
• I tried to draw him aside (= for example where I could talk to him privately).
• (figurative) My eyes were drawn to the man in the corner.
3. transitive ~ sth (of horses, etc.) to pull a vehicle such as a carriage
• The Queen's coach was drawn by six horses.
• a horse-drawn carriage
CURTAINS
4. transitive ~ sth to open or close curtains, etc
• The blinds were drawn.
• It was getting dark so I switched on the light and drew the curtains.
• She drew back the curtains and let the sunlight in.
MOVE
5. intransitive + adv./prep. to move in the direction mentioned
• The train drew into the station.
• The train drew in.
• The figures in the distance seemed to be drawing closer.
• Their car drew alongside ours.
• (figurative) Her retirement is drawing near.
• (figurative) The meeting was drawing to a close.
WEAPON
6. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (on sb) to take out a weapon, such as a gun or a sword, in order to attack sb
• She drew a revolver on me.
• He came towards them with his sword drawn.
ATTRACT
7. transitive to attract or interest sb
• ~ sb The movie is drawing large audiences.
• The course draws students from all over the country.
• ~ sb to sth Her screams drew passers-by to the scene.
GET REACTION
8. transitive to produce a reaction or response
• ~ sth The plan has drawn a lot of criticism.
• ~ sth from sb The announcement drew loud applause from the audience.
MAKE SB TALK
9. transitive ~ sb (about/on sth) often passive to make sb say more about sth
• Spielberg refused to be drawn on his next movie.
CONCLUSION
10. transitive ~ sth (from sth) to have a particular idea after you have studied sth or thought about it
• What conclusions did you draw from the report?
• We can draw some lessons for the future from this accident.
COMPARISON
11. transitive ~ sth to express a comparison or a contrast
• to draw an analogy/a comparison/a parallel/a distinction between two events
CHOOSE
12. intransitive, transitive to decide sth by picking cards, tickets or numbers by chance
• We drew for partners.
• ~ sth They had to draw lots to decide who would go.
• He drew the winning ticket.
• Names were drawn from a hat for the last few places.
• Italy has been drawn against Spain in the first round.
• ~ sb/sth to do sth Italy has been drawn to play Spain.
GAME
13. intransitive, transitive to finish a game without either team winning
• England and France drew.
• England and France drew 3–3.
• ~ with/against sb England drew with/against France.
• ~ sth England drew their game against France.
MONEY
14. transitive to take money or payments from a bank account or post office
Syn: withdraw
• ~ sth out (of sth) I drew out £200.
• Can I draw $80 out of my account?
• ~ sth (from sth) She went to the post office to draw her pension.
• ~ sth on sth The cheque was drawn on his personal account.
LIQUID/GAS
15. transitive ~ sth (+adv./prep.) to take or pull liquid or gas from somewhere
• to draw water from a well
• The device draws gas along the pipe.
SMOKE/AIR
16. intransitive, transitive to breathe in smoke or air
• ~ at/on sth He drew thoughtfully on his pipe.
• ~ sth in She breathed deeply, drawing in the fresh mountain air.
more at the battle lines are drawn at battle n., draw/get a bead on sb/sth at bead n., at daggers drawn at dagger, draw yourself up/rise to your full height at height, draw/pull your horns in at horn, cast/draw lots at lot n., draw sb to one side at side n.
Word Origin:
Old English dragan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch dragen and German tragen, also to draught.
Thesaurus:
draw verb T, I
• She drew a house in green felt tip.
sketch • • paint • |BrE colour • |AmE color •
draw/sketch/paint/colour a picture
draw/sketch/paint a landscape/portrait
draw/sketch a diagram/graph
Collocations:
Fine arts
Creating art
make a work of art/a drawing/a sketch/a sculpture/a statue/engravings/etchings/prints
do an oil painting/a self-portrait/a line drawing/a rough sketch
create a work of art/an artwork/paintings and sculptures
produce paintings/portraits/oil sketches/his most celebrated work/a series of prints
paint a picture/landscape/portrait/mural/in oils/in watercolours/(especially US) in watercolors/on canvas
draw a picture/a portrait/a cartoon/a sketch/a line/a figure/the human form/in charcoal/in ink
sketch a preliminary drawing/a figure/a shape
carve a figure/an image/a sculpture/an altarpiece/reliefs/a block of wood
sculpt a portrait bust/a statue/an abstract figure
etch a line/a pattern/a design/a name into the glass
mix colours/(especially US) colors/pigments/paints
add/apply thin/thick layers of paint/colour/(especially US) color/pigment
use oil pastels/charcoal/acrylic paint/a can of spray paint
work in bronze/ceramics/stone/oils/pastels/watercolour/a wide variety of media
Describing art
paint/depict a female figure/a biblical scene/a pastoral landscape/a domestic interior
depict/illustrate a traditional/mythological/historical/religious theme
create an abstract composition/a richly textured surface/a distorted perspective
paint dark/rich/skin/flesh tones
use broad brush strokes/loose brushwork/vibrant colours/a limited palette/simple geometric forms
develop/adopt/paint in a stylized manner/an abstract style
Showing and selling art
commission an altarpiece/a bronze bust of sb/a portrait/a religious work/an artist to paint sth
frame a painting/portrait
hang art/a picture/a painting
display/exhibit modern art/sb's work/a collection/original artwork/ drawings/sculptures/a piece
be displayed/hung in a gallery/museum
install/place a sculpture in/at/on sth
erect/unveil a bronze/marble/life-size statue
hold/host/mount/open/curate/see (especially BrE) an exhibition/(NAmE usually) exhibit
be/go on (BrE) exhibition/(NAmE) exhibit
feature/promote/showcase a conceptual artist/contemporary works
collect African art/modern British paintings/Japanese prints
restore/preserve a fresco/great works of art
Synonyms:
pull
drag • draw • haul • tow • tug
These words all mean to move sth in a particular direction, especially towards or behind you.
pull • to hold sth and move it in a particular direction; to hold or be attached to a vehicle and move it along behind you: ▪ Pull the chair nearer the table. ◊ ▪ They use oxen to pull their carts.
drag • to pull sb/sth in a particular direction or behind you, usually along the ground, and especially with effort: ▪ The sack is too heavy to lift— you'll have to drag it.
draw • (formal) to move sb/sth by pulling them/it gently; to pull a vehicle such as a carriage: ▪ I drew my chair closer to the fire. ◊ ▪ a ▪ horse-drawn ▪ carriage
haul • to pull sb/sth to a particular place with a lot of effort: ▪ Fishermen were hauling in their nets.
drag or haul?
You usually drag sth behind you along the ground; you usually haul sth towards you, often upwards towards you. Dragging sth often needs effort, but hauling sth always does.
tow • to pull a car, boat or light plane behind another vehicle, using a rope or chain: ▪ Our car was towed away by the police.
tug • to pull sb/sth hard in a particular direction: ▪ She tried to escape but he tugged her back.
to pull/drag/draw/haul/tow/tug sb/sth along/down/towards sth
to pull/drag/draw/haul/tow sb/sth behind you
to pull/drag/draw/haul a cart/sledge
to pull/draw a coach/carriage
to pull/haul/tow a truck
horses pull/draw/haul sth
dogs pull/drag/haul sth
Example Bank:
• Animals are instinctively drawn to those who like them.
• He approached her but she drew away.
• He draws very well.
• He was increasingly drawn to the idea of making short films.
• Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.
• I drew my chair up to the fire.
• I tried to draw him aside so I could talk to him in private.
• Make sure the contract is properly drawn up.
• She drew me onto the balcony
• She sat with her legs drawn up on the sofa.
• The blinds were partly drawn.
• The contrasts of mood in the first movement are very sharply drawn.
• The ducts draw out stale air.
• The meeting was drawing to a close.
• The plan has drawn interest from local businessmen.
• The project enables students to draw together their knowledge, skills and experience.
• The site's boundaries were tightly drawn by the Department of the Environment.
• We asked the surfing champion what first drew him to the sport.
• We drew closer to try to hear what was being said.
• We drew names randomly out of a hat.
• a beautifully drawn picture
• a crudely drawn child's face
• as the boat drew towards the shore
• A taxi drew up and we got in.
• As he drew near, I could see that he was limping.
• Draw the curtains— it's dark outside.
• She drew water from the well, and splashed her hands and face.
• She waved to me as I drew up.
• The Queen's coach was drawn by six horses.
• The blinds were drawn and the house looked shut up.
• The company has been drawing gas and oil out of the rich ground for 62 years.
• The device draws water along the pipe.
• The figure in the distance seemed to be drawing closer.
Idioms: draw a blank ▪ draw a line under something ▪ draw blood ▪ draw breath ▪ draw somebody's fire ▪ draw straws ▪ draw the line ▪ draw the short straw ▪ fast on the draw
Derived: draw back ▪ draw down ▪ draw down on something ▪ draw in ▪ draw on ▪ draw on something ▪ draw out ▪ draw somebody in ▪ draw somebody into into doing something ▪ draw somebody out ▪ draw something down ▪ draw something from somebody ▪ draw something off ▪ draw something out ▪ draw something up ▪ draw up
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
draw
draw (TAKE MONEY) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T + preposition] drew, drawn
to get money from a bank, account, etc. so that you can use it:
Alison drew some money out of her account to pay for our trip.
draw (INTO LUNGS) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to take air or smoke into your lungs:
She drew a deep breath and plunged into the water.
draw (RECEIVE MONEY) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to receive money regularly, especially as an employee or from the government:
He's been drawing a pension for ten years.
draw (CAUSE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
If something draws a reaction, people react in the stated way:
Her speech last night in the Senate drew an angry response.
draw (USE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to get a feeling, idea, etc. from something or someone:
She drew comfort from the fact that he died peacefully.
draw (TAKE OUT) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
1 to take something out of a container or your pocket, especially a weapon:
Suddenly he drew a gun/knife and held it to my throat.
2 to cause a substance, especially blood, to come out of a body:
He bit me so hard that it drew blood.
draw (MAKE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
1 FORMAL to make or show a comparison between things:
You can't really draw a comparison between the two cases - they're entirely different.
It's sometimes very difficult to draw a clear distinction between the meanings of different words.
2 draw a conclusion to consider the facts of a situation and make a decision about what is true, correct, likely to happen, etc:
I'd seen them together so often I drew the logical conclusion that they were husband and wife.
draw /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I] drew, drawn
Coventry drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the semi-finals.
draw (CHOOSE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to choose a number, card, etc. from several numbers, cards, etc. without first seeing it, in a competition or a game:
I was dealt two aces and I drew a third.
draw (PULL) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T + adverb or preposition] drew, drawn
1 to pull or direct something in a particular direction:
She drew her coat tightly around her shoulders.
The crowd watched as the referee drew the player aside/to one side/UK ALSO on one side and spoke to him.
2 draw the curtains to pull curtains so that they are either together or apart
draw (ATTRACT) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to attract attention or interest:
He's an excellent speaker who always draws a crowd.
Does he wear those ridiculous clothes to draw attention?
Could I draw your attention to item number three on the agenda?
draw (MOVE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I + adverb or preposition] drew, drawn
1 to move in a particular direction, especially in a vehicle:
The train slowly drew into the station/drew in.
As we drew alongside (= reached) the black car, I suddenly recognized my ex-boyfriend at the wheel.
Montgomery drew level with Greene in the 100 metres final, but never passed him.
2 draw near/close, etc. to become nearer in space or time:
As Christmas draws nearer, the shops start to get unbearably crowded.
As she drew closer I realized that I knew her.
3 draw to a close/an end to gradually finish:
As the evening drew to a close, people started reaching for their coats.
draw (PICTURE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to make a picture of something or someone with a pencil or pen:
Jonathon can draw brilliantly.
The children drew pictures of their families.
Draw a line at the bottom of the page.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
draw
/drɔ:/
(draws, drawing, drew, drawn)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When you draw, or when you draw something, you use a pencil or pen to produce a picture, pattern, or diagram.
She would sit there drawing with the pencil stub...
Draw a rough design for a logo...
= sketch
VERB: V, V n
2.
When a vehicle draws somewhere, it moves there smoothly and steadily.
Claire had seen the taxi drawing away...
VERB: V adv/prep
3.
If you draw somewhere, you move there slowly. (WRITTEN)
She drew away and did not smile...
When we drew level, he neither slowed down nor accelerated.
VERB: V adv/prep, V adj
4.
If you draw something or someone in a particular direction, you move them in that direction, usually by pulling them gently. (WRITTEN)
He drew his chair nearer the fire...
He put his arm around Caroline’s shoulders and drew her close to him...
Wilson drew me aside after an interview.
= pull
VERB: V n prep, V n adj, V n with adv
5.
When you draw a curtain or blind, you pull it across a window, either to cover or to uncover it.
After drawing the curtains, she lit a candle...
Mother was lying on her bed, with the blinds drawn.
VERB: V n, V-ed
6.
If someone draws a gun, knife, or other weapon, they pull it out of its container and threaten you with it.
He drew his dagger and turned to face his pursuers.
= take out
VERB: V n
7.
If an animal or vehicle draws something such as a cart, carriage, or another vehicle, it pulls it along.
...a slow-moving tractor, drawing a trailer.
VERB: V n
8.
If you draw a deep breath, you breathe in deeply once.
He paused, drawing a deep breath.
VERB: V n
9.
If you draw on a cigarette, you breathe the smoke from it into your mouth or lungs.
He drew on an American cigarette...
Her cheeks hollowed as she drew smoke into her lungs.
VERB: V on n, V n into n
10.
To draw something such as water or energy from a particular source means to take it from that source.
Villagers still have to draw their water from wells.
VERB: V n from n
11.
If something that hits you or presses part of your body draws blood, it cuts your skin so that it bleeds.
Any practice that draws blood could increase the risk of getting the virus.
VERB: V n
12.
If you draw money out of a bank, building society, or savings account, you get it from the account so that you can use it.
She was drawing out cash from a cash machine...
Companies could not draw money from bank accounts as cash.
VERB: V n with out, V n from n
13.
If you draw a salary or a sum of money, you receive a sum of money regularly.
For the first few years I didn’t draw any salary at all...
VERB: V n
14.
To draw something means to choose it or to be given it, as part of a competition, game, or lottery.
We delved through a sackful of letters to draw the winning name...
VERB: V n
•
Draw is also a noun.
...the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.
16.
To draw something from a particular thing or place means to take or get it from that thing or place.
I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully...
VERB: V n from n
17.
If you draw a particular conclusion, you decide that that conclusion is true.
He draws two conclusions from this...
He says he cannot yet draw any conclusions about the murders.
VERB: V n from n, V n
18.
If you draw a comparison, parallel, or distinction, you compare or contrast two different ideas, systems, or other things.
...literary critics drawing comparisons between George Sand and George Eliot...
VERB: V n
19.
If you draw someone’s attention to something, you make them aware of it or make them think about it.
He was waving his arms to draw their attention...
He just wants to draw attention to the plight of the unemployed.
VERB: V n, V n to n
20.
If someone or something draws a particular reaction, people react to it in that way.
Such a policy would inevitably draw fierce resistance from farmers.
...an official tour to South Africa which drew angry political reactions.
VERB: V n from n, V n
21.
If something such as a film or an event draws a lot of people, it is so interesting or entertaining that a lot of people go to it.
The game is currently drawing huge crowds.
VERB: V n
22.
If someone or something draws you, it attracts you very strongly.
He drew and enthralled her...
What drew him to the area was its proximity to central London.
VERB: V n, V n to n
23.
If someone will not be drawn or refuses to be drawn, they will not reply to questions in the way that you want them to, or will not reveal information or their opinion. (mainly BRIT)
The ambassador would not be drawn on questions of a political nature...
‘Did he say why?’—‘No, he refuses to be drawn.’
VERB: with brd-neg, usu passive, be V-ed on n, be V-ed
24.
In a game or competition, if one person or team draws with another one, or if two people or teams draw, they have the same number of points or goals at the end of the game. (mainly BRIT)
Holland and the Republic of Ireland drew one-one...
We drew with Ireland in the first game...
Egypt drew two of their matches in Italy.
= tie
V-RECIP: pl-n V num, V with/against n, V n (non-recip)
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1draw /ˈdrɑː/ verb draws; drew /ˈdruː/; drawn /ˈdrɑːn/; draw·ing
1 : to make (a picture, image, etc.) by making lines on a surface especially with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but not usually with paint
[+ obj]
• He drew me a picture of the bike. = He drew a picture of the bike for me.
• The computer can draw the graph for you.
• Students drew maps of the states and labeled them.
[no obj]
• You draw very well.
• She sat down and began to draw.
- compare paint
2 [+ obj] : to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something
• The case has drawn attention to the fact that many athletes never graduate.
• I would like to draw your attention to the third line.
• He didn't want to draw attention to himself. [=he did not want to cause people to notice him]
3 [+ obj]
a : to cause (someone or something) to come : to attract (someone or something)
• The band always draws a large crowd.
• She felt drawn [=attracted] to the young man.
• The college draws students from around the world.
• The animals were drawn to the campsite by the smell of food.
• We hope the display in the window will draw customers in from the street.
• The lure of city life has drawn away many of the town's young people.
• My eye was drawn to the painting. [=some characteristic of the painting made me want to look at it]
b : to cause (someone) to become involved or interested in something or someone - + in, into, or to
• What first drew you to teaching?
• A good writer knows how to draw readers in. [=how to make readers interested; how to make people want to read something]
- often used as (be/get) drawn
• She was drawn in by his friendly manner. [=she wanted to know and talk to him because he was friendly]
• She got drawn into the conversation.
4 [+ obj] : to get or receive (something)
• a television show that has drawn consistently high ratings
• The player drew a foul. : to get (a particular response or reaction)
• His speech drew cheers from the crowd.
• The movie has drawn much criticism/praise from critics.
• He is a talented high school athlete who has drawn the interest of several major colleges.
• The principal's remarks have drawn fire [=attracted angry criticism] from both parents and teachers.
5 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move in a specified direction
• She drew away from the spider.
• He opened the door and drew back in horror/shock/fear.
• The car drew (up) alongside us.
• The train drew [=pulled] into the station.
• She drew her eyebrows together in a frown of concentration.
- sometimes used figuratively
• He drew away [=(more commonly) withdrew] from his family.
b [+ obj] : to move (something) by pulling
• a carriage drawn by horses = a horse-drawn carriage
• Draw the curtains/blinds/shades. [=open or close the curtains/blinds/shades]
• a special fabric that draws moisture away from the skin
• She drew the blanket over her head.
• Draw up a chair and join us. [=bring a chair to where we are and sit down with us]
• She sat down in the chair and drew up her knees/legs. [=she bent her legs and moved her knees toward her chest]
- sometimes used figuratively
• The tragedy drew us closer together. [=made us emotionally closer]
6 [no obj] : to move gradually or steadily in time or space
• The lion drew closer to its prey.
• The sun is setting and the day is drawing to a close. [=ending]
• Spring is drawing near/nigh. [=approaching]
• The car drew to a halt/stop. [=the car slowed down and stopped]
7 [+ obj]
a : to form (something, such as an idea or conclusion) after thinking carefully about information you have
• You can draw your own conclusions.
- often + from
• a writer who draws ideas from newspaper stories
• We can draw lessons from past mistakes. [=we can learn from past mistakes]
b : to describe how two or more things are similar or different : to make (a comparison, distinction, etc.) between two or more things
• Many people have been drawing comparisons between the two movies. [=have been saying that the movies are similar]
• She drew important distinctions between the two methods. [=described important ways that the two methods are different]
8 a [+ obj] : to take (something) out of a container, pocket, etc.
• They were arguing, and then one of them drew [=pulled] a gun.
• One of the thieves drew a knife on her. [=one of the thieves took a knife out of a pocket, container, etc., and pointed it at her]
• She drew water from the well.
- see also at daggers drawn at dagger
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to come out of a source
• He drew [=ran] water for a bath.
c [+ obj] : to get (something) from a source
• The car also draws power from a battery.
• She draws strength/inspiration from her loving family.
d : to take (a card) from a group of cards
[+ obj]
• Draw four cards.
[no obj]
• You haven't drawn yet.
9 a [+ obj] : to choose (a thing) from a group without knowing which one you are choosing
• She drew the winning number/ticket.
• We drew names from a hat to decide who would go on the trip.
• (Brit) The U.S. team have been drawn against [=chosen to play against] Greece in the first round.
- see also draw lots at lot
b [no obj] : to decide something by choosing something from a group
• We'll draw to see who will drive.
- see also draw straws (below)
10 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a legal document) in a proper or legal form
• We hired a lawyer to draw a will.
- often + up
• They drew up a contract/proposal/plan/list.
11 a [+ obj] : to take (something, such as air or smoke) into your lungs by breathing
• She drew a deep breath before responding.
- often + in
• He drew the fresh air in. = He drew in the fresh air.
b [no obj] : to let air flow through
• Make sure the chimney is drawing properly.
• The pipe draws well.
12 [+ obj]
a : to take (money) from a bank account : withdraw
- usually + from or out
• He drew $100 from the bank.
• She drew out the money.
b : to receive (money) regularly from an employer, government, bank, etc.
• He draws a salary of about $100,000.
• He draws unemployment benefits.
• She has started to draw her pension.
c : to write (a check) and have money taken from a bank account
• You are now authorized to draw checks from the corporate account.
13 Brit : to finish a game, contest, etc., without having a winner : tie
[+ obj]
• We drew [=(US) tied] the game 3–3.
[no obj]
• The teams drew [=(US) tied] 3–3. [=each team scored three points]
- often + against
• The teams have drawn against each other.
14 [+ obj] archery : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
• He drew his bow and aimed at the target.
15 [+ obj] Brit : to cause (someone) to say more about something especially by questioning - often used as (be) drawn; usually + on
• She refused to be drawn on whether the company is considering a merger.
16 [+ obj] technical of a boat : to need (a particular depth of water) in order to float
• The ship draws 45 feet of water.
draw a bead on
- see bead
draw a blank
- see 2blank
draw a/the line
- see 1line
draw blood
- see blood
draw in your horns
- see 1horn
draw off [phrasal verb] draw off (something) or draw (something) off : to take or remove (something) from a source or supply
• They illegally drew off thousands of dollars that had been donated to the charity.
draw on/upon [phrasal verb]
1 draw on literary : to come closer in time
• It became colder as night drew on. [=approached]
2 draw on/upon (something)
a : to use (something) as a source or supply
• The family is drawing on/upon the community for support.
b : to use (information, experience, knowledge, etc.) to make something
• Her new book draws on her personal experience as a firefighter.
• The report draws upon several recent studies.
3 draw on (something) : to breathe in smoke from (a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.)
• He drew on his cigarette.
draw out [phrasal verb]
1 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause something to leave a source or supply
• Trees draw water out of the soil.
• Salt will draw out moisture from the vegetables.
2 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause (something) to last longer than the usual or expected amount of time
• Questions drew the meeting out for another hour.
• The movie's love scene was drawn out.
- see also drawn-out, long-drawn-out
3 draw (someone) out or draw out (someone) : to cause (someone) to talk freely
• She tried to draw the frightened child out by asking him questions about his toys.
• The reporter had an ability to draw out people.
draw straws
✦If you draw straws, you choose a stick from a group of sticks that are different sizes but that are being held in such a way that they look like they are all the same size. Usually, whoever chooses the shortest stick or gets/draws the short straw will have to do a particular thing.
• Let's draw straws to see who will drive.
• He drew the short straw so he has to drive.
draw the blinds/curtain/shades on : to end (something that has been continuing for a long time)
• Let's draw the curtain on this investigation.
- see also 1draw 5b (above)
draw up [phrasal verb]
1 of a vehicle : to approach and stop at a place
• A car drew up [=pulled up] in front of the house.
2 draw (yourself) up : to stand as straight and tall as you can
• He drew himself up to (his) full height.
