drilling

noun

dril·​ling ˈdri-liŋ How to pronounce drilling (audio)

Word History

Etymology

modification of German Drillich, from Middle High German drilich fabric woven with a threefold thread, from Old High German drilīh made up of three threads, from Latin trilic-, trilix, from tri- + licium thread

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drilling was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near drilling

Cite this Entry

“Drilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drilling. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

drilling

noun
dril·​ling ˈdril-iŋ How to pronounce drilling (audio)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!