A tool is any instrument or simple piece of equipment that you hold in your hands and use to do a particular kind of work. For example, spades, hammers, and knives are all tools.
I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.
Synonyms: implement, device, appliance, apparatus More Synonyms of tool
2. See also machine tool
3. countable noun
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool.
Writing is a good tool for discharging overwhelming feelings.
The computer has become an invaluable teaching tool.
The threat of bankruptcy is a legitimate tool to extract money from them.
Synonyms: means, agency [old-fashioned], vehicle, medium More Synonyms of tool
4. countable noun
If you describe someone as a tool of a particular person, group, or system, you mean that they are controlled and usedby that person, group, or system, especially to do unpleasant or dishonest things.
[disapproval]
He became the tool of the security services. [+ of]
Synonyms: puppet, creature, pawn, dupe More Synonyms of tool
5.
See to down tools
6.
See tools of one's/the trade
More Synonyms of tool
tool in British English
(tuːl)
noun
1.
a.
an implement, such as a hammer, saw, or spade, that is used by hand
b.
a power-driven instrument; machine tool
c.
(in combination)
a toolkit
2.
the cutting part of such an instrument
3.
a.
any of the instruments used by a bookbinder to impress a design on a book cover
b.
a design so impressed
4.
anything used as a means of performing an operation or achieving an end
he used his boss's absence as a tool for gaining influence
5.
a person used to perform dishonourable or unpleasant tasks for another
6.
a necessary medium for or adjunct to one's profession
numbers are the tools of the mathematician's trade
7. slang another word for penis
8. informal
a stupid, irritating, or contemptible man
9. British an underworld slang word for gun
verb
10.
to work, cut, shape, or form (something) with a tool or tools
11. (transitive)
to decorate (a book cover) with a bookbinder's tool
12. (transitive; often foll byup)
to furnish with tools
13. (whenintr, often foll by along)
to drive (a vehicle) or (of a vehicle) to be driven, esp in a leisurely or casual style
Derived forms
tooler (ˈtooler)
noun
tool-less (ˈtool-less)
adjective
Word origin
Old English tōl; related to Old Norse tōl weapon, Old English tawian to prepare; see taw2
tool in American English
(tul)
noun
1.
any implement, instrument, or utensil held in the hand and used to form, shape, fasten, add to, take away from, or otherwise change something by cutting, hitting, digging, rubbing, etc.: knives, saws, hammers, shovels, rakes, etc. are tools
2.
a.
any similar instrument that is the working part of a power-driven machine, as a drill, band-saw blade, etc.
b.
the whole machine; machine tool
3.
anything that serves in the manner of a tool; a means
books are a scholar's tools
4.
a person used to accomplish another's purposes, esp. when these are illegal or unethical; dupe; stooge
5. Slang
the penis
somewhat vulgar
6. Law
any instrument or device necessary to one's profession or occupation
: in full tools of one's trade
verb transitive
7.
to form, shape, or work with a tool
8.
to provide tools or machinery for (a factory, industry, etc.)
often with up
9.
a.
to drive (a vehicle)
b.
to convey (a person) in a vehicle
10.
to impress letters or designs on (leather, a book cover, etc.) with special tools
verb intransitive
11.
to use a tool or tools
12.
to get or install the tools, equipment, etc. needed
often with up
13.
to ride or drive in a vehicle
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈimplement
Derived forms
tooler (ˈtooler)
noun
Word origin
ME toole < OE tol, akin to ON tol < ? IE base *deu- > taw2
tool in Mechanical Engineering
(tul)
Word forms: (regular plural) tools
noun
(Mechanical engineering: General)
A tool is a device, usually a simple one, for making or assembling components or parts.
A wrench is a tool for turning nuts or bolts.
Equipment such as axes, pry bars, saws, hammers, and shovels, are considered handtools.
A tool is a device, usually a simple one, for making or assembling components or parts.
tooling
COBUILD Collocations
tool
diagnostic tool
essential tool
important tool
search tool
useful tool
valuable tool
vital tool
Examples of 'tool' in a sentence
tool
Monkeys could shed new light on our early use of tools.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It can be a powerful recruiting tool.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
As long as you are not using machine tools it is not likely to hurt you.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The other tools of his trade are less hi-tech.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And 23 were left with surgical tools or instruments in their bodies.
The Sun (2016)
Alternatively, there are online budgeting tools that help resist the temptation to spend.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
For many, such books have become a valuable tool.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A computer is a tool, like a book.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
These crude forms of tool use clearly must be regarded as a rudimentary form of culture.
Sanderson, Stephen K. Macrosociology: An Introduction to Human Societies (1995)
They are a vital daily work tool for thousands of owners.
The Sun (2008)
The kit is a powerful and practical tool for open experimentation and play.
The Sun (2015)
Machines are the tools of the system.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
Her tools of the trade are an internet connection and a webcam.
The Sun (2014)
Altogether he is a very poorly designed machine tool.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)
Officers were spotted taking tools and equipment into the house.
The Sun (2014)
There he designed machine tools and scientific apparatus.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Use free tools online to check out careers.
Christianity Today (2000)
Use of small scale machinery and hand tools.
Lashford, Stephanie The Residue Report - an action plan for safer food (1988)
Those in favour claim that the social networking tool has important business applications.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It is just a tool to use in ministry.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But you want the tools to work with.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The body is actually a powerful tool if you allow the mind to control it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For these are the tools of my trade.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He knew more about our tools and equipment than anyone in the country.
Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)
For elite brain workers, computers are tools that enhance their productivity.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Our new and more efficient machine tools are not yet in use and have therefore had no chance to increase production efficiency as a whole.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
Britain's biggest tool rental group gave warning yesterday that the slowdown in the construction industry next year would be worse than previously forecast.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
I couldn't work without the vehicle or the tools.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Where, though, are its tools and its instruments?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The reality is utterly different, with guesswork, crude tools and misleading instrument panels.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We are continuing to invest heavily in improving our tools and enforcement systems to allow us to identify and take faster action on abuse as it's happening.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In other languages
tool
British English: tool /tuːl/ NOUN
A tool is any instrument or simple piece of equipment, for example, a hammer or a knife, that you hold in your hands and use to do a particular kind of work.
The best tool for the purpose is a hammer.
American English: tool
Arabic: أَدَاة
Brazilian Portuguese: ferramenta
Chinese: 工具
Croatian: alat
Czech: nářadí
Danish: værktøj
Dutch: gereedschap
European Spanish: herramienta
Finnish: työkalu
French: outil
German: Werkzeug
Greek: εργαλείο
Italian: strumento
Japanese: 道具
Korean: 도구
Norwegian: verktøy
Polish: narzędzie
European Portuguese: ferramenta
Romanian: unealtă
Russian: инструмент
Latin American Spanish: herramienta
Swedish: verktyg
Thai: เครื่องมือ
Turkish: araç mekanik
Ukrainian: інструмент
Vietnamese: công cụ
All related terms of 'tool'
edge tool
a tool with one or more cutting edges
hand tool
Hand tools are fairly simple tools which you use with your hands , and which are usually not powered.
tint tool
a kind of burin used in wood engraving for carving lines of even thickness , as in hatching
tool box
A tool box is a metal or plastic box which contains general tools that you need at home , for example to do repairs in your house or car .
tool kit
A tool kit is a special set of tools that are kept together and that are often used for a particular purpose .
tool post
the rigid holding device which holds the cutting tool on a lathe and some other machine tools
tool shed
a small shed in the garden or yard of a house used for storing tools , esp those for gardening
power tool
a tool powered by electricity
search tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
tool maker
a person who specializes in the production or reconditioning of precision tools, cutters , etc
tool making
a person who specializes in the production or reconditioning of precision tools, cutters , etc
tool pusher
A tool pusher is someone who supervises drilling operations on an oil rig .
tool steel
any of various steels whose hardness and ability to retain a cutting edge make them suitable for use in tools for cutting wood and metal
useful tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
vital tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
chopper tool
a core tool of flint or stone, with a transverse cutting edge, characteristic of cultures in Asia and parts of the Middle East and Europe
cutting tool
A cutting tool is a pointed tool mounted in a machine tool and used for cutting materials .
machine tool
A machine tool is a machine driven by power that cuts , shapes, or finishes metal or other materials.
pitching tool
a masonry chisel for rough work
valuable tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
diagnostic tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
essential tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
fullering tool
a tool for forging a groove
important tool
You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool .
percussion tool
a power driven tool which operates by striking rapid blows : the power may be electricity or compressed air
toolbox
a metal or plastic box which contains general tools that one needs at home , for example to do repairs to one's house or car
toolhouse
a small shed in the garden or yard of a house used for storing tools , esp those for gardening
Chinese translation of 'tool'
tool
(tuːl)
n(c)
(= implement) 用具 (yòngjù) (种(種), zhǒng)
(fig) 工具 (gōngjù)
(pej, = person) 爪牙 (zhǎoyá)
1 (noun)
Definition
an implement, such as a hammer, saw, or spade, that is used by hand to help do a particular type of work
The best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.
Synonyms
implement
writing implements
device
This device can measure minute quantities of matter.
appliance
We need to replace the washing machine and some other household appliances.
apparatus
He was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
machine
I put a coin in the machine and pulled the lever.
instrument
a thin tube-like optical instrument
gadget
a handy gadget for slicing vegetables
utensil
The technique uses a single utensil to cook and serve.
contraption (informal)
an interesting musical contraption called a Theremin
contrivance
They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances.
2 (noun)
The video has become an invaluable teaching tool.
Synonyms
means
agency (old-fashioned)
a negotiated settlement through the agency of the UN
vehicle
Her art became a vehicle for her political beliefs.
medium
English is used as a medium of instruction at primary level.
agent
the bleaching agent in white flour
intermediary
She wanted him to act as an intermediary in the dispute.
wherewithal
She didn't have the financial wherewithal to start a new business.
3 (noun)
Definition
a person used to perform dishonourable or unpleasant tasks for another
He became the tool of the security services.
Synonyms
puppet
The ministers have denied that they are puppets of a foreign government.
creature
We are not merely creatures of our employers.
pawn
They are being used as political pawns.
dupe
He was accused of being a dupe of the communists.
stooge (slang)
He has vehemently rejected claims that he is a government stooge.
jackal
minion
She delegated the job to one of her minions.
lackey
I'm not staying as a paid lackey to act as your yes-man.
flunkey
hireling
cat's-paw
(verb)
We have a beautifully tooled glass replica of it.
Synonyms
make
They now make cars at two plants in Europe.
work
Work the dough with your hands until it is very smooth.
cut
Geometric motifs are cut into the stone walls.
shape
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
chase
decorate
He decorated the box with glitter and ribbons.
ornament
The Egyptians ornamented their mirrors with carved handles of ivory, gold, or wood.
subject word lists
See Tools
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agency
Definition
action or power by which something happens
a negotiated settlement through the agency of the UN
Synonyms
medium,
work,
means,
force,
power,
action,
operation,
activity,
influence,
vehicle,
instrument,
intervention,
mechanism,
efficiency,
mediation,
auspices,
intercession,
instrumentality
in the sense of agent
Definition
a substance which causes change in other substances
the bleaching agent in white flour
Synonyms
force,
means,
power,
cause,
instrument
in the sense of apparatus
Definition
a collection of equipment used for a particular purpose
He was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
Synonyms
equipment,
machine,
tackle,
gear,
means,
materials,
device,
tools,
implements,
mechanism,
outfit,
machinery,
appliance,
utensils,
contraption (informal)
Synonyms of 'tool'
tool
Explore 'tool' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appliance
Definition
a machine or device that has a specific function
We need to replace the washing machine and some other household appliances.
Synonyms
device,
machine,
tool,
instrument,
implement,
mechanism,
apparatus,
gadget,
waldo
in the sense of contraption
Definition
a strange-looking device or gadget
an interesting musical contraption called a Theremin
Synonyms
device,
instrument,
mechanism,
apparatus,
gadget,
contrivance,
waldo,
rig
in the sense of contrivance
Definition
the act or power of contriving
They wear simple clothes and shun modern contrivances.
Synonyms
device,
machine,
equipment,
gear,
instrument,
implement,
mechanism,
invention,
appliance,
apparatus,
gadget,
contraption (informal)
in the sense of creature
Definition
a person or thing controlled by another
We are not merely creatures of our employers.
Synonyms
minion,
tool,
instrument (informal),
puppet,
cohort (US),
dependant,
retainer,
hanger-on,
lackey,
hireling
in the sense of cut
Definition
to form or shape by cutting
Geometric motifs are cut into the stone walls.
Synonyms
shape,
carve,
engrave,
chisel,
form,
score,
fashion,
chip,
sculpture,
whittle,
sculpt,
inscribe,
hew (old-fashioned)
in the sense of decorate
Definition
to make more attractive by adding some ornament or colour
He decorated the box with glitter and ribbons.
Synonyms
adorn,
deck,
trim,
embroider,
garnish,
ornament,
embellish,
festoon,
bedeck,
beautify,
grace,
engarland
in the sense of device
Definition
a machine or tool used for a particular purpose
This device can measure minute quantities of matter.
Synonyms
gadget,
machine,
tool,
instrument,
implement,
invention,
appliance,
apparatus,
gimmick,
utensil,
contraption (informal),
widget (informal),
contrivance,
waldo,
gizmo or gismo (slang)
in the sense of dupe
He was accused of being a dupe of the communists.
Synonyms
puppet,
tool,
instrument (informal),
pawn,
stooge (slang),
cat's-paw
in the sense of gadget
Definition
a small mechanical device or appliance
a handy gadget for slicing vegetables
Synonyms
device,
thing,
appliance,
machine,
tool,
implement,
invention,
instrument,
novelty,
apparatus,
gimmick,
utensil,
contraption (informal),
gizmo (slang),
contrivance,
waldo
in the sense of instrument
Definition
a tool or implement, esp. one used for precision work
a thin tube-like optical instrument
Synonyms
tool,
device,
implement,
mechanism,
appliance,
apparatus,
gadget,
utensil,
contraption (informal),
contrivance,
waldo
Additional synonyms
in the sense of intermediary
Definition
a person who tries to bring about agreement between others
She wanted him to act as an intermediary in the dispute.
Synonyms
mediator,
agent,
middleman,
broker,
entrepreneur,
go-between
in the sense of lackey
Definition
a servile follower
I'm not staying as a paid lackey to act as your yes-man.
Synonyms
hanger-on,
fawner,
pawn,
attendant,
tool,
instrument,
parasite,
cohort (US),
valet,
menial,
minion,
footman,
sycophant,
yes-man,
manservant,
toady,
flunky,
brown-noser (taboo, slang),
flatterer,
ass-kisser (US, Canadian, taboo, slang),
varlet (archaic)
in the sense of machine
Definition
an assembly of components arranged so as to perform a particular task and usually powered by electricity
I put a coin in the machine and pulled the lever.
Synonyms
appliance,
device,
apparatus,
engine (obsolete),
tool,
instrument,
mechanism,
gadget,
contraption (informal),
gizmo (informal),
contrivance
in the sense of medium
Definition
a substance which has a particular effect or can be used for a particular purpose
English is used as a medium of instruction at primary level.
Synonyms
means,
way,
form,
channel,
method,
vehicle,
instrument,
avenue,
forum,
organ,
mode
in the sense of minion
Definition
a servile assistant
She delegated the job to one of her minions.
Synonyms
follower,
or woman or person">henchman or woman or person,
underling (derogatory),
lackey,
favourite,
pet,
creature,
darling,
parasite,
cohort (US),
dependant,
hanger-on,
sycophant,
yes man,
toady,
hireling,
flunky,
flatterer,
lickspittle,
bootlicker (informal),
myrmidon
in the sense of ornament
Definition
to decorate or adorn
The Egyptians ornamented their mirrors with carved handles of ivory, gold, or wood.
Synonyms
decorate,
trim,
adorn,
enhance,
deck,
array,
dress up,
enrich,
brighten,
garnish,
gild,
do up (informal),
embellish,
emblazon,
festoon,
bedeck,
beautify,
prettify,
bedizen (archaic),
engarland
in the sense of pawn
Definition
a person or thing manipulated by someone else
They are being used as political pawns.
Synonyms
tool,
instrument (informal),
toy,
creature,
puppet,
dupe,
stooge (slang),
plaything,
cat's-paw
in the sense of shape
Definition
to devise or develop
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
Synonyms
form,
affect,
influence,
make,
produce,
create,
model,
fashion,
mould
in the sense of stooge
Definition
someone who is taken advantage of by someone in a superior position
He has vehemently rejected claims that he is a government stooge.
Synonyms
pawn,
puppet,
fall guy (informal),
butt,
foil,
patsy (slang, US, Canadian),
dupe,
or woman or person">henchman or woman or person,
lackey
in the sense of utensil
Definition
a tool or container for practical use
The technique uses a single utensil to cook and serve.
Synonyms
implement,
tool,
instrument,
aid,
machine,
device,
mechanism,
appliance,
apparatus,
gadget,
gimmick (informal),
contraption,
gizmo (informal),
contrivance
Additional synonyms
in the sense of vehicle
Definition
something used to achieve a particular purpose or as a means of expression
Her art became a vehicle for her political beliefs.
Synonyms
medium,
means,
channel,
mechanism,
organ,
apparatus,
means of expression
in the sense of wherewithal
Definition
the necessary funds, resources, or equipment
She didn't have the financial wherewithal to start a new business.
Synonyms
resources,
means,
money,
funds,
capital,
supplies,
ready (informal),
essentials,
ready money
in the sense of work
Work the dough with your hands until it is very smooth.