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to draw

to draw

354 3.1
Choose something by chance, like a card from a deck
  • verb
  • /drɔ/
translation icon : sacar
  • Consequently, we stopped randomly drawing new potential participants after the 24th interview.
  • randomly drawn
  • draw a sample
  • drawn at random

Examples

  • Then, one class of each 5th and 6th grade was drawn randomly from the chosen schools.

    Academic text (2008)
  • So now we're going to draw, not looking, mixing it up.

  • OK, and so we will draw a conflict card.

  • I'm going to just draw the four cards.

  • On a weekly basis, we draw anywhere from 20 to 30 names for rewards.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Let's just draw straws and get it over with.

  • We had a meeting and we drew straws and we got you.

  • After discussing the information about the gong, the students drew several conclusions about its functions.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Let's draw a card from the deck to see who goes first in the game.

  • During the lottery, the host will draw numbers randomly from the bin.

Synonyms

to cast
vsto draw
  • Archaic
31 6.1

To choose by chance, for example by drawing lots

selects more broadly and also means taking a card from a deck

Antonyms

130 2.7

To throw something away because you no longer want or need it

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

Surface Forms

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

Etymology

Draw in the sense of choosing a card or lot comes from the old idea of 'pulling' something from a container, so to draw a card you are literally 'pulling' one from the deck.