/ pɔː(r); NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn , usually + adv. / prep. ] to make a liquid or other substance flow from a container in a continuous stream, especially by holding the container at an angle :
Pour the sauce over the pasta.
Although I poured it carefully, I still managed to spill some.
2.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] ( of liquid, smoke, light, etc. ) to flow quickly in a continuous stream :
Tears poured down his cheeks.
Thick black smoke was pouring out of the roof.
3.
pour (sth) (out) to serve a drink by letting it flow from a container into a cup or glass :
[ vn ]
Will you pour the coffee?
I was in the kitchen, pouring out drinks.
[ vn , vnn ]
I've poured a cup of tea for you.
I've poured you a cup of tea.
[ v ]
Shall I pour?
4.
[ v ] when rain pours down or when it's pouring with rain , rain is falling heavily :
The rain continued to pour down.
It's pouring outside.
It's pouring with rain.
5.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] to come or go somewhere continuously in large numbers
SYN flood :
Letters of complaint continue to pour in.
Commuters came pouring out of the station.
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IDIOMS
- pour oil on troubled water(s)
—more at cold adjective , heart , rain verb , scorn noun
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PHRASAL VERBS
- pour sth into sth
- pour out
- pour sth out
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : of unknown origin.