sieving

From the verb sieve: (⇒ conjugate)

sieving is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sieve /sɪv/   n., v., sieved, siev•ing. 
n. [countable]

1. a utensil with a meshed or perforated surface used for separating larger pieces from smaller, fine pieces of loose matter, or for straining liquids to remove solid pieces.

v. [~ + object]

2. to put or force through a sieve;
   sift:
   to sieve the flour.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sieve  (siv), n., v., sieved, siev•ing. 
n. 

1. an instrument with a meshed or perforated bottom, used for separating coarse from fine parts of loose matter, for straining liquids, etc., esp. one with a circular frame and fine meshes or perforations.
2. a person who cannot keep a secret.

v.t., v.i. 

3. to put or force through a sieve;
   sift.

• bef. 900; Middle English sive, Old English sife; cognate with Dutch zeef, German Sieb; akin to sift

sieve′like′, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

sieve / sɪv/ noun

1. a device for separating lumps from powdered material, straining liquids, grading particles, etc, consisting of a container with a mesh or perforated bottom through which the material is shaken or poured

verb

1. to pass or cause to pass through a sieve
2. (transitive) often followed by out: to separate or remove (lumps, materials, etc) by use of a sieve

Etymology: Old English sife; related to Old Norse sef reed with hollow stalk, Old High German sib sieve, Dutch zeef

ˈsieveˌlike adjective