Tool: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ
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tool

 

[ tuหl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

handheld

A device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function.

Synonyms

implement, instrument, utensil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tool

This word is typically used for any device or object that makes a job easier. It is often used in manual labor or technical contexts.

  • He used a hammer and other tools to build the cabinet
  • The software comes with a variety of tools to help you edit your photos
implement

Ideal for describing devices used to achieve a specific purpose, especially in farming or technical settings. It tends to sound more formal.

  • The farmer used several implements to cultivate the land
  • The new policy was difficult to implement without the proper tools
utensil

Best used for tools related to household tasks, especially in the kitchen.

  • The kitchen drawer was full of cooking utensils
  • A spatula is a useful utensil when making pancakes
instrument

Commonly used for devices that require precision and often in scientific or musical contexts.

  • The surgeon carefully selected the correct instrument for the operation
  • She played the violin, an instrument she had loved since childhood

Examples of usage

  • He reached for a tool to help him fix the broken chair.
  • A hammer is a common tool used for driving nails into wood.
Context #2 | Verb

manipulate

To work on or shape with tools; to manipulate or refine with precision.

Synonyms

craft, form, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tool

This word is used to describe physical instruments or devices that help accomplish a task.

  • A hammer is a useful tool for carpentry.
  • She used a variety of tools to fix the car.
shape

Shape refers to the external outline or appearance of an object. It can also mean to mold or influence something.

  • The cake was baked in the shape of a heart.
  • Teachers play a big role in shaping the future of their students.
craft

Craft refers to an activity involving skill in making things by hand. It can also describe the skill itself.

  • She spends her free time on various crafts, like knitting and pottery.
  • His craft as a carpenter is well respected.
form

This word is used to describe the visible shape or configuration of something. It can also mean to create or develop.

  • The sculpture took the form of a large bird.
  • They formed a new committee to address the issues.

Examples of usage

  • The sculptor carefully tooled the clay into a beautiful vase.
  • She skillfully tooled the leather to create a custom belt.

Translations

Translations of the word "tool" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ferramenta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเค•เคฐเคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Werkzeug

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ alat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ะฝัั‚ั€ัƒะผะตะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ narzฤ™dzie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้“ๅ…ท (ใฉใ†ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท outil

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ herramienta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท araรง

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋„๊ตฌ (๋„๊ตฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุฏุงุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรกstroj

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรกstroj

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทฅๅ…ท (gลngjรน)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ orodje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ verkfรฆri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑั€ะฐะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒแƒฆแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ herramienta

Etymology

The word 'tool' originated from Old English 'tลl', meaning 'implement, instrument'. It has been used in various forms across different languages and cultures to refer to objects or devices used for specific purposes. Tools have played a crucial role in human evolution, enabling us to create, build, and innovate. From simple hand tools to complex machinery, the concept of tools has evolved over time, shaping the way we interact with our environment and each other.

See also: toolbar, toolbox, toolkit, tools, toolset, tooltip.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,308, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.