Drill
/drɪl/
Definitions
4 meaningsA tool with a rotating bit for making holes.
/drɪl/
A tool for boring holes.
He used a drill to make holes in the wood.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to hang a picture. A drill is like a super-powered screwdriver that spins really fast to make a hole in the wall so you can put a screw in!
👶 For kids: A drill is a tool that makes holes.
More Examples
The carpenter selected the appropriate drill bit for the job.
The hardware store had a variety of drills available.
How It's Used
"The construction worker used a power drill to make holes in the wall."
A repeated exercise or training activity designed to improve a skill.
/drɪl/
A type of exercise or practice, especially military.
The marching band performed a complex drill.
💡 Simply: Think of sports practice. A drill is like practicing the same action over and over to get better at it, like shooting free throws in basketball!
👶 For kids: A drill is like practicing something over and over, like marching in a line.
More Examples
The firefighters practiced their emergency response drill.
The football team ran drills to improve their passing game.
How It's Used
"The soldiers practiced their marching drill."
"The teacher used drills to help students practice multiplication."
To make a hole using a drill.
/drɪl/
To bore or make a hole.
He drilled a hole through the metal sheet.
💡 Simply: Like using that spinning tool to make a hole, like when you're putting up a picture or building something.
👶 For kids: To drill is to make a hole.
More Examples
The dentist drilled a cavity in the patient's tooth.
They drilled into the earth to search for oil.
How It's Used
"The plumber drilled a hole in the wall for the pipe."
To train or teach someone a skill through repeated practice.
/drɪl/
To train using repeated exercises.
The coach drilled the team on their plays.
💡 Simply: Think of a coach making you practice something over and over again to get really good at it, like in sports or the military.
👶 For kids: To drill means to practice something again and again.
More Examples
The students were drilled on their times tables.
The soldiers were drilled for hours.
How It's Used
"The recruits were drilled in marching and weapons handling."
Idioms & expressions
drill sergeant
A military instructor responsible for the initial training of recruits, emphasizing discipline and physical fitness.
"The drill sergeant barked orders at the new recruits."
drill down
To investigate or analyze something in detail; to look at something more closely or deeply.
"The researchers drilled down into the data to identify the specific cause of the problem."
From Middle Dutch *drillen* ("to bore, pierce") or Middle Low German *drillen* ("to bore, turn").
The word 'drill' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to a tool for boring holes.
Memory tip
Think of a drill bit 'drilling' into a surface.
Word Origin
"to bore, turn, or pierce"