English

Verb

draw on ‎(third-person singular simple present draws on, present participle drawing on, simple past drew on, past participle drawn on)

1. (literally) To sketch or mark with pencil, crayon, etc., on a given surface.
2. (also draw upon) To appeal to, make a demand of, rely on; to utilize or make use of, as a source.

   Without the proper resources, the young manager drew on his imagination to solve the crisis.

   The reporter drew heavily on interviews with former members of the secretive group.

   • 2011 January 29, Ian Hughes, “Southampton 1 - 2 Man Utd”, in BBC:

     Manchester United needed to draw on all their resources as they came from behind to beat Southampton and progress to the last 16 of the FA Cup.

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

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

4. To approach, come nearer, as evening.

   Evening is drawing on; we'd better call it a day.

   In his bones, he sensed winter was drawing on sooner than usual.

5. (transitive) To put on (a garment)
   • 1994, Stephen Fry, The Hippopotamus Chapter 2

     He heard the silken rustle of a dressing-gown being drawn on.

See also

• draw out

Anagrams

• onward