Skip to main content
to draw

to draw

877 1.0
Make a picture with a pen or pencil
  • verb
  • /drɔ/
: dibujar
  • A picture of an empty frame invited children to draw a favorite character or instrument.
  • draw a picture
  • draw a line
  • draw a map

At the end of the day, we should draw the same map.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • A little girl with asthma was asked to draw a picture of what her asthma looked like.

    Academic text (2012)
  • So we can just try to draw a curve.

  • OK, so now let me draw some pictures.

  • And go watch my how to draw feet video.

  • But me, I used to draw football players.

  • The child may then start to draw things to try to please you.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Now let's go to the side and draw our triangle.

  • For children unable or unwilling to draw, you can use toys and models instead.

    Academic text (2011)
  • She loves to draw colorful pictures of animals in her spare time.

  • In art class, we learned how to draw realistic landscapes using pencils.

Synonyms

to paint
vsto draw
507 1.0

To make a picture using coloured liquid on a surface

uses common marking tools rather than liquid pigments for image making
to depict
vsto draw
185 3.5

To show something in a picture or in words

is specifically about making images by marking a surface with hand tools
to sketch
vsto draw
66 3.0

To make a quick rough drawing to plan an idea

is the more general act of making images without implying roughness
to trace
vsto draw
41 2.8

To draw lines along the outside of a shape

is the general act of making images on a surface not only by tracing
to pencil
vsto draw
11 1.0

To write or draw with a thin wooden tool that has a graphite tip

is similar but covers making images with various common hand tools
to delineate
vsto draw
  • Formal
8 7.0

To draw the shape or edge of something clearly

is the wider act of creating whole images, not only outlining edges
to describe
vsto draw
  • Specialized
7 4.9

To draw the outline of a shape or path on a surface

is the general making of pictures, not only technical outline work
to diagram
vsto draw
6 4.4

To draw a simple picture to show how something works or is made

is the general act of making images, not limited to schematics
to scribe
vsto draw
3 7.4

To mark a surface with a sharp point or write something carefully by hand

is broader, including making images with various writing or marking methods
to construct
vsto draw
  • Specialized
1 5.3

To draw a shape or line accurately using a ruler and compass

is more general, not requiring instruments or strict accuracy
to crayon
vsto draw
1 3.9

To draw or color using a wax stick

is broader, not limited to wax tools or coloured sticks

Antonyms

19 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

Idioms

to draw the line
  • Informal
80 4.1

Set a clear limit on what you will accept

To set a clear limit that must not be crossed

luck of the draw
  • Informal
9 4.8

A result that depends only on chance, like drawing names from a hat

6 6.2

To be chosen by chance to do an unpleasant task

5 9.9

To kill someone by tying limbs to four horses and pulling them apart, or to punish very harshly

Able to respond quickly under pressure

1 9.9

To threaten or kill someone by hanging, cutting their body open and dividing it into four parts

To breathe for the last time before you die

To follow a steady plan and not get distracted

To end up by chance with an unpleasant task or in a worse position

Phrasal Verbs

To make people notice something or someone

111 3.7

To prepare and write official papers such as contracts or wills

56 3.6

Attract people or attention

49 3.8

Remove something from where it is, for example a nail or a secret

to draw blood
  • Offensive
47 4.6

To take blood for testing or to cause harm in an argument

42 4.1

To move backwards away from something because of fear or surprise

Set a clear limit on what is acceptable

30 3.7

To pull something away from where it is, for example a bandage or curtain

30 2.6

To move closer in place or time

26 3.8

Help a quiet person speak more in a group

22 2.9

Move nearer to someone or something

21 4.0

Make a conversation or event last longer than usual

Attract many people to watch or listen

To make people feel united by a shared goal or feeling

12 3.2

Pull someone toward yourself to comfort or protect them

Point out similarities between two or more things to show how they are alike

9 4.0

Pull air into the lungs or small things into a machine

to draw a blank
  • Informal
8 4.5

Fail to remember something when you try to think of it

8 6.7

To attract criticism and angry reactions for what you say or do

Get creative ideas or motivation from something

8 3.9

To straighten the body to stand taller

6 3.9

Move something toward the centre

To close a curtain by pulling it across a window

3 4.3

Move closer to surround something

3 4.2

To pull something away carefully, for example a bandage or tablecloth

to draw up
  • Jargon
3 4.1

To arrange people into a line or formation

2 4.6

Curl the body inward because of cold or fear

2 3.6

To stop a vehicle at a place

2 8.8

Aim a gun carefully at someone or something to be ready to shoot

1 4.9

To take liquid from a container by pouring or draining for testing

1 4.2

Make your score or position the same as another person

To attract many people to watch a show or event

1 4.3

Arrive at a station

1 4.6

To move ahead of others in a race or competition

to draw rein
  • Literature
1 8.4

To stop or slow progress by controlling it, like a rider pulling the straps that guide a horse

Pay close attention to a person, goal, or problem

to draw back
  • Specialized
1 9.9

To pull tissue or skin to the side to hold a wound open during surgery

Compounds

1 3.0

A place or event that attracts many visitors

draw play
  • Jargon
1 6.2

A football play where the quarterback fakes a pass then hands the ball to a running back

1 4.2

A type of poker where players discard some cards and get new ones to improve their hand

How Detailed

to render
49 6.3
to illustrate
250 3.5
to draw
877 1.0
sketch
222 2.5
to doodle
18 3.3

Surface Forms

draw infinitive
drawing present participle
draws third person singular
drew past
drawn past participle

Etymology

Draw comes from an old English word meaning 'to pull', and a helpful image is pulling a pen across paper to make lines; so when you draw a picture you are like 'pulling' an image out onto the page.