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to draw

to draw

939 1.0
Make a picture with a pen or pencil
  • verb
  • /drɔ/
translation icon : 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.

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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
417 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
176 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
45 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
39 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 describe
vsto draw
  • Specialized
33 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 pencil
vsto draw
13 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 construct
vsto draw
  • Specialized
8 5.3

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

is more general, not requiring instruments or strict accuracy
to diagram
vsto draw
4 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 delineate
vsto draw
  • Formal
2 7.0

To draw the shape or edge of something clearly

is the wider act of creating whole images, not only outlining edges
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

144 1.6

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

Idioms

to draw the line
  • Informal
82 4.1

Set a clear limit on what you will accept

To set a clear limit that must not be crossed

6 6.2

To be chosen by chance to do an unpleasant task

4 9.9

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

luck of the draw
  • Informal
3 4.8

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

To breathe for the last time before you die

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 follow a steady plan and not get distracted

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

Phrasal Verbs

97 3.7

To prepare and write official papers such as contracts or wills

To make people notice something or someone

to draw blood
  • Offensive
38 4.6

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

18 2.6

To move closer in place or time

18 3.8

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

12 3.8

Help a quiet person speak more in a group

Attract many people to watch or listen

9 4.0

Make a conversation or event last longer than usual

Set a clear limit on what is acceptable

8 3.6

Attract people or attention

Move nearer to someone or something

7 3.7

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

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

to draw a blank
  • Informal
7 4.5

Fail to remember something when you try to think of it

6 4.0

Pull air into the lungs or small things into a machine

Get creative ideas or motivation from something

5 3.6

To stop a vehicle at a place

Pull someone toward yourself to comfort or protect them

4 4.1

To move backwards away from something because of fear or surprise

4 6.7

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

to draw up
  • Jargon
2 4.1

To arrange people into a line or formation

To close a curtain by pulling it across a window

1 4.6

Curl the body inward because of cold or fear

To make people feel united by a shared goal or feeling

1 3.9

Move something toward the centre

1 4.3

Move closer to surround something

1 4.9

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

1 3.9

To straighten the body to stand taller

1 4.6

To move ahead of others in a race or competition

to draw back
  • Specialized
1 9.9

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

1 4.2

Make your score or position the same as another person

1 8.8

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

To attract many people to watch a show or event

1 4.2

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

Pay close attention to a person, goal, or problem

Arrive at a station

to draw rein
  • Literature
8.4

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

Compounds

draw play
  • Jargon
1 6.2

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

1 3.0

A place or event that attracts many visitors

1 4.2

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

How Detailed

to render
52 6.3
to illustrate
301 3.5
to draw
939 1.0
sketch
150 2.5
to doodle
13 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.