B1verb1K

Pour

UK /["/pɔː(r)/","/pɔːz/","/pɔːd/","/ˈpɔːrɪŋ/"]/US /["/pɔːr/","/pɔːrz/","/pɔːrd/","/ˈpɔːrɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a liquid or other substance flow from a container in a continuous stream, especially by holding the container at an angle

In simple words: To make a liquid flow from one container to another.

Examples

  • I will pour the milk into the bowl.
  • Please pour the tea into my cup.
  • The rain began to pour heavily last night.
  • He decided to pour his thoughts out in a letter.
  • After the meeting, the ideas began to pour in from everyone.

Usage notes

Used when transferring liquids. Common in cooking, serving drinks, or filling containers. Avoid in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

pour + object

Memory hint

Imagine a pour of a drink going into a cup; 'pour' sounds like 'door' where the liquid flows out.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • quickly
  • gradually
  • from
  • into
  • on
  • carefully
  • quickly
  • gradually
  • from
  • into
  • on

Synonyms

  • flood

Antonyms

  • fill
  • empty

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'pour' with 'pore' or 'poor'.
  • Using 'pour' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Saying 'pouring water into the cup' instead of 'pouring the cup with water'.