First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
sift
verb \ˈsift\
: to put (flour, sugar, etc.) through a sifter or sieve
: to separate or remove (something) by using a sifter or sieve
: to go through (something) very carefully in order to find something useful or valuable
Full Definition of SIFT
transitive verb
1
a : to put through a sieve <sift flour> b : to separate or separate out by or as if by putting through a sieve
2
: to go through especially to sort out what is useful or valuable <sifted the evidence> —often used with through <sift through a pile of old letters>
3
: to scatter by or as if by sifting <sift sugar on a cake>
intransitive verb
1
: to use a sieve
2
: to pass or fall as if through a sieve
— sift·er noun
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Origin of SIFT
Middle English, from Old English siftan; akin to Old English sife sieve
SIFT Defined for Kids
sift
verb \ˈsift\
sift·edsift·ing
Definition of SIFT for Kids
1
: to pass or cause to pass through a sieve <sift flour>
2
: to separate or separate out by or as if by passing through a sieve <I sifted the lumps.>
3
: to test or examine carefully <Police will sift through the evidence.>
— sift·er noun
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