a set or collection of tools, supplies, instructional matter, etc., for a specific purpose.
a first-aid kit; a sales kit.
the case for containing these.
such a case and its contents.
a set of materials or parts from which something can be assembled.
a model car made from a kit.
Informal. a set, lot, or collection of things or persons.
a wooden tub, pail, etc., usually circular.
Chiefly British. a costume or outfit of clothing, especially for a specific purpose.
ski kit; dancing kit; battle kit.
to package or make available in a kit.
a new model airplane that has just been kitted for the hobbyist.
Chiefly British. to outfit or equip (often followed by out orup ).
a set of tools, supplies, construction materials, etc, for use together or for a purpose
a first-aid kit
a model aircraft kit
the case or container for such a set
a set of pieces of equipment ready to be assembled
( as modifier )
kit furniture
clothing and other personal effects, esp those of a traveller or soldier
safari kit
battle kit
informal clothing in general (esp in the phrase get one's kit off )
a flax basket
informal everything or everybody
an informal or diminutive name for kitten
a cub of various small mammals, such as the ferret or fox
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English kit(te), kyt(t) “wooden bucket or tub,” from Middle Dutch kitte “jug, tankard”
First recorded in 1510–20; origin uncertain
First recorded in 1555–65; shortening of kitten ( def. )
A collection of things used for a certain purpose is a kit, like a first aid kit with bandages and aspirin, or a tool kit with hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. There are kits meant for camping, taking care of your cat, and painting landscapes. A group of items needed to build or assemble something is also a kit, like a model airplane kit. The case you keep these things in can also be called a kit. A completely different sort of kit is a baby animal like a fox or beaver kit. A set of drums — bass, tom, snare and cymbals — is commonly called a "drum kit."
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ukraine is combining elements of all three—cutting off Russia’s energy, targeting its supplies and adapting faster—while using a 21st-century tool kit.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
But Pyrtsu -- who said he did not bring a first aid kit -- brushes off the idea of a strike.
From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026
Officials said that several children outside in a patio area were roasting marshmallows on a device called Flikr Fire, a tabletop fireplace kit that uses rubbing alcohol for fuel and was recalled in 2024.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026
Along with the harnesses, hard hats and hi-vis, the safety kit now includes suncream and plenty of water bottles.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
“We have the headlamps and the GPS. The first aid kit would be nice, but …” She looked at his face.
From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
