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Drills Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drills

[drɪlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction

A tool or machine with a rotating cutting tip for making holes in hard materials such as metal or wood.

Synonyms

auger, bit, reamer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drills

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
auger

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
bit

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
reamer

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

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter used a drill to make holes in the wooden planks.
  • The mechanic used a drill to fix the engine.
Context #2 | Noun

exercise

A repetitive practice or exercise to improve a skill, typically involving a series of tasks or actions.

Synonyms

exercise, practice, training.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drills

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

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

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

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

Examples of usage

  • The basketball team practiced free throws in drills.
  • She did drills to improve her typing speed.
Context #3 | Verb

military

Instruct (troops) in military procedures or movements by repeated exercises or practice.

Synonyms

instruct, teach, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drills

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.
train

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.
instruct

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.
teach

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.

Examples of usage

  • The sergeant drilled the soldiers on the battlefield tactics.
  • The recruits were drilled on how to assemble and disassemble their weapons.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In classrooms, drills are often used to reinforce skills, such as math problems or spelling words.
  • Spaced repetition in drills helps students retain information longer than cramming all at once.
  • Drills are an essential part of skill acquisition in sports and music, allowing for mastery through repetition.

Sports

  • In sports, teams conduct drills to perfect plays, enhance teamwork, and build physical fitness.
  • Coaches use drills to simulate real game scenarios, helping athletes learn how to react under pressure.
  • Repetitive drills are crucial in sports like gymnastics and swimming, where precision and technique matter.

Psychology

  • Repetitive practice through drills leads to muscle memory, enabling automatic responses during real situations.
  • Psychologists emphasize that consistent drills reduce anxiety in performance by familiarizing individuals with tasks.
  • The concept of deliberate practice in psychology highlights the effectiveness of drills for skill mastery.

Pop Culture

  • Drills feature prominently in movies and shows to depict military training, emphasizing discipline and teamwork.
  • In popular music, repetitive practice can be likened to vocal drills singers use to achieve the perfect pitch.
  • Online gaming often includes drills in tutorials, helping players improve their skills and strategies.

Origin of 'drills'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'drill' comes from the Middle English term 'drillen' meaning to 'turn or rotate'.
  • In military contexts, the term evolved to mean practices that instill discipline and skill through repetition.
  • The original meaning of the word relates to tools that make holes, reflecting the idea of making something precise.

The word 'drills' has its origin in the Middle English word 'drillen', which means to bore, pierce, or perforate. It was first used in the 17th century to describe the tool used for making holes. Over time, the term expanded to include the concept of repetitive practice or exercise, particularly in the context of military training. The modern usage of 'drills' encompasses both the tool and the exercise, highlighting its dual nature in construction and skill development.

See also: drill, driller.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,255, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.