pour

1 of 2

verb

ˈpȯr 

poured; pouring; pours

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to flow in a stream

b

: to dispense from a container

poured drinks for everyone

2

: to supply or produce freely or copiously

poured money into the project

3

: to give full expression to : vent

poured out his feelings

intransitive verb

1

: to move with a continuous flow

2

: to rain hard

3

: to move or come continuously : stream

complaints poured in

4

: to score easily or freely (as in basketball)

—used with in

poured in 30 points

pourable

ˈpȯr-ə-bəl 

adjective

pourer

ˈpȯr-ər 

noun

pouringly

ˈpȯr-iŋ-lē 

adverb

pour

2 of 2

noun

1

: the action of pouring : stream

2

a

: an instance of pouring or an amount poured

b

: a heavy fall of rain : downpour

Synonyms

Verb

• stream

Examples of pour in a Sentence

Verb

He carefully poured the water into her glass.

Pour the sauce over the pasta.

She poured salt into the palm of her hand and then sprinkled it over the stew.

The smokestacks poured out thick clouds of black smoke.

The burst pipe poured out water.

The concrete foundation has been poured.

Can I pour you some lemonade?

Smoke poured out from the chimney.

Sweat was pouring from her brow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

So the next time your fridge interior has a funky smell, pour some coffee grounds into a bowl and place it in the fridge for a couple of hours. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024

To pour over: maple syrup infused with vanilla and its big-personality flavor cousin, tonka bean. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024

Noun

Spirits enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive pours from Last Drop, a top shelf portfolio of whiskies, rums, and brandies brought to you by the same folks responsible for Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Be sure to finish your plate with a generous pour of maple syrup, and don’t forget to have a Luke’s Diner mug ready with your favorite hot drink! —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pour

• pour into
• pour it on
• pour oil on troubled waters
• pour on
• pour one's heart/soul out
• pour out
• pour out one's heart/soul
• pour point
• pour scorn on

Kids Definition

pour

verb

ˈpō(ə)r,

ˈpȯ(ə)r

1

: to flow or to cause to flow in a stream

pour the tea

tears pouring down their cheeks

2

: to let loose something without restraint

poured out my troubles to anyone who would listen

3

: to rain very hard

pourer noun