tool

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈtül 

1

a

: a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task

b(1)

: the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool

(2)

: a machine for shaping metal : machine tool

2

a

: something (such as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession

a scholar's books are his tools

b

: an element of a computer program (such as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function

a drawing tool

c

: a means to an end

a book's cover can be a marketing tool

d

slang, vulgar : penis

3

a

: one who is used or manipulated by another

And then there was former trainer Pfeil, viewed as another tool of management for his gruff ways.

—Sam Smith

b

informal : a foolish or unlikable person : jerk

Before you compete on a reality TV show, you basically sign away your right to protect yourself from looking like a total tool in front of an international viewing audience.

—Steve Tilley

4

tools plural : natural ability

has all the tools to be a great pitcher

tool

2 of 3

verb

tooled; tooling; tools

intransitive verb

1

: drive, ride

2

: to equip a plant or industry with the means (such as machines, machine tools, and instruments) of production

—often used with up

transitive verb

1

: to shape, form, or finish with a tool

especially : to letter or ornament (something, such as leather or gold) by means of hand tools

2

a

: to cause (a vehicle) to go : drive

b

: to convey in a vehicle

3

: to equip (a factory, an industry, etc.) with tools, machines, and instruments for production

tool

3 of 3

noun (2)

: a design (as on the binding of a book) made by tooling

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• device
• implement
• instrument
• utensil

Verb

• automobile
• drive
• motor

Choose the Right Synonym for tool

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of tool in a Sentence

Noun (1)

needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance

a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power

you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials

Verb

We tooled along the highway.

He tooled a design on the leather belt.

a belt made of tooled leather

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Researchers were tooling around this second century Roman cemetery and found a body. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Nov. 2024

The fascia plate of the Gold Leaf Air Motion tweeter used in the speakers is tooled from a single piece of aerospace-grade aluminum. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

But while telltale signs still exist, all indications for 2025 warn threats will become more sophisticated as AI tools are continually improved. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

That paradox led to an idea: create a library of photobooks in Ghana to bring the African story home, allowing people to learn about their history and give them the tools to tell new stories of the continent. —Max Posner, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English tōl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use — more at taw

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1812, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun (2)

1881, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tool

• edge tool
• flake tool
• hand tool
• machine tool
• multi-tool
• tool kit
• tool subject
• tool up

Kids Definition

tool

1 of 2 noun

ˈtül 

1

: a device (as a hammer, saw, knife, or wrench) used or worked by hand or by a machine

2

a

: something used in doing one's job as if it were a tool

a scholar's books are his tools

b

: something that helps to gain an end

hard work is a tool for success

3

: a person used by another : dupe

tool

2 of 2 verb

1

: to shape, form, or finish with a tool

2

: to equip a plant or industry with machines and tools for production