drill
8 synonyms for drill, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make a hole in something using a rotating cutting tool.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To make a hole in something using a rotating cutting tool.
“You will need to drill through the tiles slowly so they do not crack.”
2. noun
A tool or machine used for boring holes.
“Dad's cordless drill ran out of battery halfway through the job.”
How to use drill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
power drill
fire drill
drill sergeant
drill music
Etymology
Taken from Middle Dutch drillen ("bore, move in a circle").
Full origin of drill →Frequently asked questions
What does “drill” mean?
The word “drill” means to make a hole in something using a rotating cutting tool. In plain terms, to bore a hole with a spinning tool, or to practise something over and over until it sticks — also a name for a hard-edged rap genre.
How do you pronounce “drill”?
“Drill” is pronounced drihl (/dɹɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “drill” in a sentence?
Here is “drill” used in a sentence: “He drilled a hole in the wall to hang the shelf.”
What part of speech is “drill”?
Depending on how it is used, “drill” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “drill” a common word?
“Drill” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “drill” have?
“Drill” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a hole in something using a rotating cutting tool.
What is the difference between a drill and an exercise in training?
A drill is a repeated practice routine that builds one specific skill or procedure until it becomes automatic, such as a fire drill or a passing drill in sport. An exercise is usually broader, simulating a whole task or scenario and testing judgement as well as technique. Drills build reflexes; exercises rehearse the bigger picture.
What is the difference between drilling and boring a hole?
In everyday English the two overlap — a drill is literally a tool used for boring holes. In engineering and machining, though, drilling usually means cutting a new hole with a rotating bit, while boring means enlarging or finishing a hole that already exists. Outside workshops, drill is by far the more common word.
What is a fire drill?
A fire drill is a repeated practice exercise that prepares people for an emergency evacuation. Everyone in the building rehearses leaving by the correct routes and gathering at an assembly point, so the response becomes automatic if a real fire occurs. Schools and workplaces run them at regular intervals, often unannounced.
