verb

draw

verb

To create a picture using a pencil, pen, or similar tool.

"The children loved to draw pictures of animals."

"She drew a quick sketch of the harbour."

To pull something toward oneself or in a particular direction.

"He drew the curtains to block out the sun."

"She drew her chair closer to the fire."

To attract attention, interest, or a crowd.

"The free concert drew thousands of people."

To take money out of an account, or to receive a wage or benefit.

"He draws a modest pension each month."

To end a game or contest with neither side winning.

"The two teams drew 1-1."

noun

A game or contest that ends with no winner; a tie.

"The match ended in a draw."

A random selection, as in a lottery or raffle.

"She won a prize in the church raffle draw."

How to Use Draw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA very flexible word covering pulling something, sketching a picture, attracting people, and ending a contest evenly.

Common mistake

Past tense is "drew," past participle is "drawn" — not "drawed."

Common pairings

draw a picture draw attention draw the curtains end in a draw

Word Forms

drew past tense, drawn past tense, draw plural, drew plural, draws plural, draws singular, draw singular, drew singular, drawest singular, drewest singular, draweth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The children loved to _____ pictures of animals.

Etymology

From Old English dragan, "to drag or pull," from a Proto-Germanic root related to Latin trahere ("to pull, drag") — the same root behind "drag" and "draught."

Rhymes for draw

raw craw straw McGraw withdraw

See all rhymes for draw →