Drills: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a tool or machine with a rotating cutting tip or reciprocating hammer, used for making holes.

• He used different types of drills to complete his woodworking project

Best suited for situations involving making large holes in the ground or wood, often used in agriculture or ice fishing.

• The farmer used an auger to plant the seeds efficiently

Commonly refers to the cutting or drilling part inserted into drills, can be specified for certain materials (e.g., wood bit, masonry bit).

• She switched to a smaller bit to drill a precise hole in the metal sheet

Used when talking about a tool designed to enlarge or finish already drilled holes to a precise size.

• The mechanic used a reamer to smooth out the cylinder's interior surface

Drills are repetitive tasks or exercises designed to improve a specific skill or set of skills. They are often used in the context of sports, military training, or emergency preparedness to ensure quick and precise responses.

• The coach had the team run through shooting drills for an hour
• Fire drills are conducted regularly to ensure everyone knows the evacuation procedure

Exercise refers broadly to any physical activity undertaken to improve health or fitness. It can also refer to tasks or activities undertaken to practice or test a skill in non-physical contexts such as mental exercises.

• She includes cardiovascular exercise in her daily routine
• The teacher gave the students a math exercise to complete

Practice involves repeatedly performing an activity or task to improve proficiency. It is often used in contexts like sports, music, or any skill-based activity.

• He spends an hour each day in piano practice
• The soccer team has practice every evening

Training encompasses a broader process of learning and development, typically with a structured program or curriculum. It can be used in professional, athletic, or military contexts.

• The company offers training programs for all new employees
• He is undergoing training to become a certified lifeguard

Can also refer to the process of teaching something through repetition in an educational context.

• The students did math drills to improve their calculation speed.
• Language learners often do vocabulary drills to memorize new words.

Often associated with practical, hands-on skills or preparing someone for a specific job, task, or athletic performance. Emphasis on systematic instruction and practice.

• The company trains all new employees on safety procedures.
• Athletes train for months before a competition.

Commonly used in formal or structured settings, such as classrooms, workshops, or instructional manuals. The focus is on providing information or directions.

• The teacher instructed the students on how to solve the equations.
• The manual instructs users on how to assemble the furniture.

Typically used in a broader educational context, where the emphasis is on imparting knowledge or skills over a period of time.

• She teaches history at the high school.
• Parents often teach their children good manners.