Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.

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 home owner originally assumed the noise was a plane or power tool being used.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2024

Mr. Livingston said it was the equivalent of moving from a screwdriver to a power tool.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2023

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

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell