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. See penis
   slang.
   another word for penis
8. See gun
   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

• ˈtooler, noun
• ˈtool-less, adjective

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

Founder Emna Ghariani says the company’s “proprietary prioritization engine” helps to sort tasks and tickets by importance, and to analyze the time they’re spending in each tool throughout the week.

From TechCrunch

This tactic goes well beyond traditional keyword research and generates content ideas directly from your targeted audience, not a keyword tool.

From Search Engine Watch

Cash App already offers tools to buy stocks and cryptocurrency.

From Fortune

Search Trends, the Client Health Tracker, or the Reporting board are just a part of our specialized tools and resources.

From Search Engine Land

Plugged into this huge index, WeChat search has become a powerful tool to find information.

From Search Engine Watch

And the law can easily be used as a political tool to punish any disrespect of the state.

From The Daily Beast

He wasn't crazy about being fat, but he saw his body as a tool to use in the making of his career.

From The Daily Beast

Tool around Capitol Hill, which brims gay bars, restaurants, and clubs.

From The Daily Beast

“The spoon was a tool for foreshadowing,” the Facebook page explains.

From The Daily Beast

This study uses the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), which is really a tool that tracks crimes.

From The Daily Beast

The execution is such that the drawing of the gown and the lines of the face seem to have been traced by an engraver's tool.

From Project Gutenberg

Reaching into one of the secret pockets of his wide black belt he removed a curiously shaped tool of finest tempered steel.

From Project Gutenberg

Whoever denied the former proposition was called a tool of the Court.

From Project Gutenberg

Mariequita sat near by, dangling her legs, watching him work, and handing him nails from the tool-box.

From Project Gutenberg

He could tool a heap like a maniacal genius born with a steering wheel in his hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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

When To Use

What are other ways to say tool?

The word tool usually refers to a handheld object, such as a hammer, saw, or file, that is used to perform or facilitate mechanical operations. When should you use this noun over instrument, implement, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.