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. tool up,  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. slang,  another word for penis

8. 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. to furnish with tools

4. to drive (a vehicle) or (of a vehicle) to be driven, esp in a leisurely or casual style

Other Word Forms

• tool-less adjective
• tooler noun
• toolless adjective
• multitool noun
• untooled 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

The AI tool is not ready for clinical use, but the plan is to use it in a similar way, to spot high-risk patients while there is an opportunity to intervene early and prevent disease.

From BBC

The money will also fund new AI and digital technology tools across GSK's five American manufacturing sites, including those in North Carolina and Maryland.

From BBC

He said he would use Microsoft's AI tool Copilot to help him decide what to wear.

From BBC

Recent discoveries remake earlier discoveries and reset the timelines as new pieces of the puzzle are found and better tools to analyze them are invented.

From Los Angeles Times

Some believe the growth of AI has threatened their livelihoods as tech tools can replicate iconic characters with text prompts.

From Los Angeles Times

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.