Phrase guide

draw on

verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To sketch or mark with pencil, crayon, etc., on a given surface.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To appeal to, make a demand of, rely on; to utilize or make use of, as a source.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: also draw upon

Examples

  • Without the proper resources, the young manager drew on his imagination to solve the crisis.
  • January 19 1782, Benjamin Franklin, letter to John Jay but I would have you draw on me for a Quarter at present which shall be paid
  • The reporter drew heavily on interviews with former members of the secretive group.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To advance, continue; to move or pass slowly or continuously, as under a pulling force.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • As the day draws on, the oxen will begin to show fatigue.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To approach, come nearer, as evening.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Evening is drawing on; we'd better call it a day.
  • In his bones, he sensed winter was drawing on sooner than usual.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To put on (a garment).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To draw the trigger of a gun, so as to fire upon (something).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I drew on the pheasant as it rose.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: pouar — to use as a source
  • French: exploiter — to use as a source
  • German: zurückgreifen auf — to use as a source
  • Spanish: recurrir a — to use as a source