tool

[ tool ]

noun

1. an implement, especially one held in the hand, as a hammer, saw, or file, for performing or facilitating mechanical operations.
2. any instrument of manual operation.
3. the cutting or machining part of a lathe, planer, drill, or similar machine.
4. the machine itself; a machine tool.
5. anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose:

   Education is a tool for success.

6. a person manipulated by another for the latter's own ends; cat's-paw.
7. the design or ornament impressed upon the cover of a book.
8. Underworld Slang.
   1. a pistol or gun.
   2. a pickpocket.
9. Slang: Vulgar. penis.

verb (used with object)

1. to work or shape with a tool.
2. to work decoratively with a hand tool.
3. to ornament (the cover of a book) with a bookbinder's tool.
4. to drive (a vehicle):

   He tooled the car along the treacherous path.

5. to equip with tools or machinery.

verb (used without object)

1. to work with a tool.
2. to drive or ride in a vehicle:

   tooling along the freeway.

verb phrase

1. to install machinery designed for performing a particular job:

   manufacturers tooling up for production.

tool

/ tuːl /

noun

1. 1. an implement, such as a hammer, saw, or spade, that is used by hand
   2. a power-driven instrument; machine tool
   3. ( in combination )

      a toolkit

2. the cutting part of such an instrument
3. 1. any of the instruments used by a bookbinder to impress a design on a book cover
   2. a design so impressed
4. anything used as a means of performing an operation or achieving an end

   he used his boss's absence as a tool for gaining influence

5. a person used to perform dishonourable or unpleasant tasks for another
6. a necessary medium for or adjunct to one's profession

   numbers are the tools of the mathematician's trade

7. slang.
   another word for penis
8. an underworld slang word for gun

verb

1. to work, cut, shape, or form (something) with a tool or tools
2. tr to decorate (a book cover) with a bookbinder's tool
3. troften foll byup to furnish with tools
4. whenintr, often foll by along to drive (a vehicle) or (of a vehicle) to be driven, esp in a leisurely or casual style

Derived Forms

• ˈtool-less, adjective
• ˈtooler, noun

Other Words From

• tooler noun
• toolless adjective
• multi·tool noun
• un·tooled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tool¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (noun); Old English tōl; cognate with Old Norse tōl “tools”; akin to taw ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tool¹

Old English tōl; related to Old Norse tōl weapon, Old English tawian to prepare; see taw ²

Example Sentences

Prominent experts such as historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat say that under classic authoritarianism, the military is viewed as a tool for pursuing the leader’s own aims, rather than upholding the state’s interests and safeguarding its people.

From Los Angeles Times

“The kind of outcome where you have a military that is used as the tool of a despot — I don’t think we’re particularly close to that,” said Friedman, of Defense Priorities.

From Los Angeles Times

In their hands it became a weapon to justify their agendas — or at least a useful tool to expand their movements.

From Salon

As we face yet another wave of anti-immigrant policies, we must remember: History is not just a tool for understanding the past; it’s a weapon for shaping the future.

From Los Angeles Times

The report has been published, Mr Rhys said, “as an advocacy tool” to fight for the sector and its funding.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparatus
• appliance
• device
• engine
• gadget
• gizmo
• machine
• means
• mechanism
• utensil
• weapon