tool
tool
Tool (noun) means a physical device used to carry out a task, especially one held in the hand. Example: “He keeps his tools organized in the garage.”
noun
1
A physical device used to carry out a task, especially one held in the hand.
"He keeps his tools organized in the garage."
"A hammer is a basic but essential tool."
"Dad lent me a good tool for tightening the bolts on my bike."
2
A piece of software, or any means or method used to accomplish something.
"This app is a great tool for tracking expenses."
"Education is the most powerful tool for changing lives."
"A spreadsheet is a handy tool for planning your monthly budget."
3
Informal, derogatory: an obnoxious, foolish, or easily-used person.
"Stop being such a tool about this."
"Don't be a tool and let them use you for their own gain."
"He felt like a tool after falling for the same trick twice."
verb
1
To equip or fit out with tools, especially machinery for production.
"The factory had to be retooled for the new model."
"The workshop was tooled up with new lathes and drills last year."
"They will tool the plant for electric vans over the summer."
How to use tool
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA physical instrument for a job, or more broadly, anything (an app, a skill, a method) that helps you get something done.
When to use it
The insulting sense ("he's such a tool") is informal slang — avoid it in professional writing.
Common pairings
power tool
a useful tool
tool up
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Word forms
- Plural
- tools
- Third person singular
- tools
- Past tense
- tooled
Fill the gap
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He keeps his _____ organized in the garage.
Etymology
From Old English tol ("implement"), from Proto-Germanic, ultimately related to a root meaning "to prepare."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for tool
See all rhymes for tool →Frequently asked questions
What does “tool” mean?
The word “tool” means a physical device used to carry out a task, especially one held in the hand. In plain terms, a physical instrument for a job, or more broadly, anything (an app, a skill, a method) that helps you get something done.
How do you pronounce “tool”?
“Tool” is pronounced tool (/tul/ in IPA).
How do you use “tool” in a sentence?
Here is “tool” used in a sentence: “He keeps his tools organized in the garage.”
What is another word for “tool”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tool” include use.
What part of speech is “tool”?
Depending on how it is used, “tool” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tool” come from?
The word “tool” comes from Old English. From Old English tol ("implement"), from Proto-Germanic, ultimately related to a root meaning "to prepare.".
Is “tool” a common word?
“Tool” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “tool” have?
“Tool” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a physical device used to carry out a task, especially one held in the hand.
What is the difference between a tool and a machine?
A tool is typically a simple device, often handheld, that you power and guide yourself, like a hammer or screwdriver. A machine has moving parts and its own power source to do work, like a drill or engine. Many powered tools blur the line and are called power tools.
What are the main types of tools?
Tools are commonly grouped into hand tools, such as hammers, spanners, and saws, and power tools, which run on electricity or batteries. Others are grouped by trade or purpose, like gardening tools, cutting tools, or measuring tools, each designed for a particular kind of task.
Can 'tool' mean something that isn't physical?
Yes. Figuratively, a tool is anything used to achieve a purpose, such as software tools, a research tool, or education as a tool for change. The core idea stays the same: a means to carry out a task, even when nothing is held in the hand.
What is an example of a tool?
Everyday examples include a hammer, screwdriver, saw, spanner, and drill, devices held in the hand to build, fix, or shape things. Broader examples cover kitchen tools like a whisk, or digital tools such as a calculator app.
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