noun
tool
tool
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."
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."
3
Informal, derogatory: an obnoxious, foolish, or easily-used person.
"Stop being such a tool about this."
verb
1
To equip or fit out with tools, especially machinery for production.
"The factory had to be retooled for the new model."
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
Word Forms
tooled past tense, tools plural, tools singular
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Etymology
From Old English tol ("implement"), from Proto-Germanic, ultimately related to a root meaning "to prepare."