colander colander /ˈkɒl.ən.dər/ aep /ˈkɑː.lən.dɚ/ noun [C] ► F0 a bowl with small holes in it, used for washing food or for emptying food into when it has been cooked in water: » After four minutes, pour the pasta into a colander to drain.Thesaurus+: ↑Kitchen utensils