Drilled

/dɹɪld/

verbBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To make a hole in something using a drill.

/dɹɪld/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To bore a hole with a drill.

The carpenter drilled several holes into the wooden frame.

💡 Simply: Like when you use a tool to make a hole in the wall to hang a picture – you're drilling!

👶 For kids: Making a hole with a tool.

More Examples

2

They drilled through the rock to find the underground water source.

3

The orthodontist drilled a tiny hole into the tooth to place the filling.

How It's Used

Construction

"The construction crew drilled holes in the concrete for the anchor bolts."

Dentistry

"The dentist drilled the patient's tooth to remove the cavity."

2

To teach someone a skill or a piece of information by making them do a lot of exercises or repeat the same thing many times.

/dɹɪld/

verbneutralmedium
General

To train by repeated exercises; to instruct or teach by practice.

The coach drilled the players on the new game strategy.

💡 Simply: Imagine practicing something over and over again until you get really good at it, like practicing your free throws in basketball – you’re drilling!

👶 For kids: Practicing something over and over to get good at it.

More Examples

2

The teacher drilled the students on their spelling words.

3

The soldiers were drilled every morning in formation and marching.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers were drilled in marching and weapon handling."

Education

"The students were drilled on their multiplication tables."

Sports

"The team was drilled in their offensive plays."

Tip:Think of military training: repetitive actions to build muscle memory and discipline.

From Middle English *drillen*, from Middle Dutch *drillen* ('to bore, drill'), or a related Low German word; ultimately of imitative origin.

Historically used in military contexts for training soldiers in formation and basic maneuvers.

Memory tip

Imagine a power drill, buzzing and twisting to create a pathway.

dril'ddrilledd

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written