Illustration of auger
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- 2 screw
- 3 tapering pod
auger
noun
au·ger ˈȯ-gər 
: any of various tools or devices with a helical shaft or part that are used for boring holes (as in wood, soil, or ice) or moving loose material (such as snow)
Did you know?
The tool called an auger has nothing to do with people’s navels, but the words auger and navel are related. This tool was first used to bore a hole for the axle in the nave, or hub, of a wheel. Such a nave was called nafu in Old English. Nafu is related to the word nafela, which became our word navel. The Old English ancestor of auger was nafogar, which was made up of nafu and gar, meaning “spear.” By Middle English nafogar had lost a syllable and shrunk to nauger. Since a nauger sounds like an auger, people began to write an auger, and our modern spelling of the word was born.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Before the 19-year-old could comprehend what had happened, an auger had severed his right arm. 
Emily Corwin, ProPublica, 23 Aug. 2022 The safety lock on its trigger is also a great perk, preventing users from accidentally activating the auger. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2022 Unlike the Traeger, which is large and relies on an elaborate system that uses an auger to move wood pellets from a side hopper into a burning chamber, mine is small and only takes a few minutes to set up. Alex Heard, Outside Online, 20 May 2020 Slow masticating machines have a methodical auger (sort of like a large, sharp corkscrew) that is best suited to working its way through leafy greens, but will take on fibrous stalks and soft and juicy fruit as well. Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2022 Some people also swear by coating the auger and the chute with a nonstick spray. Kris Frieswick, WSJ, 26 Jan. 2022 People were running a massive ship auger drill bit, lengthwise, into a gigantic pressure-treated beam without a shadow of hesitancy or stalling—incredibly impressive. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021 Adjust any cables and check the auger at this time, as well. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2021 If the clog remains after plunging and cleaning the trap, then buy or rent a drain-cleaning tool called a hand auger (plumber's snake). Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2021 See More
Emily Corwin, ProPublica, 23 Aug. 2022 The safety lock on its trigger is also a great perk, preventing users from accidentally activating the auger. Alex Rennie, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2022 Unlike the Traeger, which is large and relies on an elaborate system that uses an auger to move wood pellets from a side hopper into a burning chamber, mine is small and only takes a few minutes to set up. Alex Heard, Outside Online, 20 May 2020 Slow masticating machines have a methodical auger (sort of like a large, sharp corkscrew) that is best suited to working its way through leafy greens, but will take on fibrous stalks and soft and juicy fruit as well. Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2022 Some people also swear by coating the auger and the chute with a nonstick spray. Kris Frieswick, WSJ, 26 Jan. 2022 People were running a massive ship auger drill bit, lengthwise, into a gigantic pressure-treated beam without a shadow of hesitancy or stalling—incredibly impressive. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021 Adjust any cables and check the auger at this time, as well. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2021 If the clog remains after plunging and cleaning the trap, then buy or rent a drain-cleaning tool called a hand auger (plumber's snake). Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, alteration (resulting from false division of a nauger) of nauger, from Old English nafogār; akin to Old High German nabugēr auger, Old English nafu nave, gār spear — more at nave, gore
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
auger
noun
au·ger ˈȯ-gər
: a tool used for boring holes