How to Pronounce Drain

To pronounce "drain", say DRAIN — one syllable, IPA /dɹeɪn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

drain

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/dɹeɪn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “drain”

"drain" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with ascertain and disdain, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: draine, drane — easy to mix up when writing.

What does drain mean?

noun

  1. A conduit allowing liquid to flow out of an otherwise contained volume; a plughole (UK)

    “The drain in the kitchen sink is clogged.”

  2. An access point or conduit for rainwater that drains directly downstream in a (drainage) basin without going through sewers or water treatment in order to prevent or belay floods.

verb

  1. To lose liquid.

    “The clogged sink drained slowly.”

  2. To flow gradually.

    “The water of low ground drains off.”

Hear “drain” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with drain

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ascertaindisdainsustaininanemundanestrainattainprofaneplainbaneretaindomain

Related words

drainpipedrainagesapdebilitateenfeeblesewer

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "drain"?▾

"Drain" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "drain"?▾

The IPA transcription of "drain" is /dɹeɪn/.

What does "drain" mean?▾

Drain: A conduit allowing liquid to flow out of an otherwise contained volume; a plughole (UK)

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