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power tool

American  

noun

  1. a tool powered by an electric motor or a gasoline engine.


power tool British  

noun

  1. a tool powered by electricity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of power tool

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I do not believe that the entire stock market should rest on my having access to a grocery list power tool.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

The royals are "the UK's number one soft power tool and nowhere is that more evident than in the US", says Spence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Designed in Norway, this feels like the kind of power tool Apple or Dyson might create.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Meant to represent the pair's hack-and-slash attitude toward the federal government, it instead gave Musk the opportunity to groan and shout while awkwardly waving a power tool.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2025

The front door stood half open and a power tool was being used inside.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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