tool1 nountool2 verb
tooltool1 /tuːl/ ●●● S2 W2 noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINtool1
Origin:
Old English tolEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a tool for cutting metal
- a carpenter's tools
- A good tool kit should contain pliers, screwdrivers, and wire-cutters.
- All my gardening tools had been stolen from the shed.
- Dance and aerobics classes are a useful tool for encouraging girls back to school P.E. lessons.
- He couldn't finish repairing the engine because he didn't have the right tools.
- He took a spanner from his tool box and tightened up the bolts on the gate.
- Interest rates are one of the Finance Minister's main tools of economic policy.
- Pictures of fleeing refugees were used as an effective propaganda tool against the Communists.
- The Internet has been an effective tool for advertising.
- The king was merely a tool of the military regime.
- At first, options were distrusted by many as risky, esoteric investment tools.
- Inspection sites are dirty and may be cluttered with tools, materials, or debris.
- The elements of a nutrition program plan provide the manager with the tools to anticipate results and conduct ongoing evaluation.
- These plans were an invaluable tool which increased the accuracy and the efficiency of the project.
- Using the computer environment as our tool we can process and reshape all kinds of information swiftly and perfectly.
Longman Language Activatorto use the toilet
a thing that you hold in your hand and use to repair, cut, or make something: · He couldn't finish repairing the engine because he didn't have the right tools.tool for: · a tool for cutting metalgardening/kitchen/mining tools: · All my gardening tools had been stolen from the shed.tool box (=a strong box that tools are kept in): · He took a spanner from his tool box and tightened up the bolts on the gate.tool kit (=a set of tools that are kept together): · A good tool kit should contain pliers, screwdrivers, and wire-cutters.
a small tool or device used especially by doctors and scientists, for doing careful or delicate work: · I sat in the dentist's chair and looked at the row of instruments beside me.· The microscope is perhaps the most widely used scientific instrument.· The company specializes in the manufacture of high quality writing instruments.
a small tool that has been cleverly designed to help you do something more easily: · He showed her several electronic gadgets, such as a watch that you can use as a phone.· It's a clever little gadget which you can use to cut vegetables into attractive shapes.· A sales assistant was demonstrating several kitchen gadgets to a crowd of shoppers.
a piece of equipment that has been cleverly designed to do a particular job, for example one that makes measurements, records sounds, or controls the operation of a machine: · An EEG is a device that records electrical activity in the brain.device for doing something: · a thermostatic device for controlling temperature· The farmers there still use the "Archimedes Screw", an ancient device for raising water from a lake or well.
formal a tool or simple machine used for a particular job, especially when working in the garden or on a farm: · The native women grind the wheat with heavy stone implements.· It is best to cut weeds off at the roots with an implement such as a hoe.farming/cooking/writing etc implements: · Some children find it difficult to hold their writing implements.
a piece of equipment, especially one used in the kitchen to prepare food: · Peter found the potato peeler in a drawer full of utensils.· We packed a few essential cooking utensils such as pots and a can opener for our camping trip.· You will find a wide range of kitchen utensils in our cookshop on the second floor.
not having equal rights the machines, tools, or objects that you use for doing something: · You should check all your electrical equipment regularly.equipment for: · high technology equipment for policing and traffic controloffice/video/sports etc equipment: · Thieves stole all the video equipment from the college.· We were told to keep all our sports equipment in the lockers downstairs.a piece of equipment: · It's much easier if you have the right piece of equipment for the job.
equipment, especially simple things, that you use to make something or do something useful: · The plumber went back out to the van to get his tools.· As a writer, I don't need any tools, apart from my computer and the internet.tools of the trade (=equipment necessary for a particular job): · For a salesman, a cheap suit and a Ford Escort are the traditional tools of the trade.
tools and machines used especially for scientific, medical, and technical purposes: · This experiment can be performed using the apparatus shown in the diagram.breathing/gym/surgical etc apparatus: · Astronauts have special breathing apparatus.· There's a shop in town which sells all the latest photographic apparatus.
especially British, spoken the pieces of equipment or clothes that you need for a particular activity: · Now, have you got all your things ready?swimming/painting/sewing etc things: · Don't forget to bring your swimming things with you.
informal the equipment and special clothes that you need to do something, especially an activity that you do in your free time: · At 8.30 we loaded all our gear into the boat, and cruised out to a spot a few miles offshore.camping/skiing/fishing etc gear: · Have you got all your football gear?· The soldiers were wearing heavy combat gear and travelling in convoys.
: shaving/sewing/repair etc kit a set of small things that you use to do something: · Always take a first-aid kit with you when you go camping.· You should never go cycling without a basic repair kit.
spoken informal the equipment that you use to do something: · The builders have left all their stuff round the back of the house.camping/painting etc stuff: · Our camping stuff alone took up most of the space in the back of the car.
someone who is used by someone else someone who is used by a more powerful person or group as part of their plans for getting power, especially when the person being used does not realize this: · The soldiers were nothing more than pawns, regarded as dispensable by their officers.use somebody as a pawn: · The ambassador was being used as a pawn in the struggle between the two superpowers.
a ruler or government that seems to be independent but is really controlled by the government of another more powerful country: a puppet ruler/regime/government: · In 1290, Edward I set up a puppet government in the Scottish lowlands.puppet of: · During the 70s many Eastern European leaders were merely puppets of the Kremlin.
someone who is controlled and used unfairly by another person or group, especially to do something bad: tool of: · The king was merely a tool of the military regime.
someone who always does what another person or group wants: · Community leaders in the area are widely regarded as police stooges.stooge of: · He accused her of being a stooge of the Tory Party.
someone who is used and controlled by someone or something more powerful: instrument of: · Even small children were used as instruments of the regime, encouraged to spy on and report their parents.· The Committee on Ethics in Public Life was regarded by many as being a mere instrument of the government.
the method you use to achieve something a method, system, machine etc that you use to do something or achieve something: · We aim to use peaceful means to bring about change.means of doing something: · Education and training are the most effective means of improving the nation's economy.by means of something (=using a particular method or system): · He came to power by means of a military coup in 1960.by peaceful/political/unlawful etc means: · The judge ruled that Smith had been elected by unlawful means.means of communication/transport/transportation: · E-mail has become an increasingly important means of business communication.means to an end (=something that you do only as a way of achieving something else): · You should not regard the course simply as a means to an end.
a particular method or system that you use to get a result, especially in business or politics: · Pictures of fleeing refugees were used as an effective propaganda tool against the Communists.tool of: · Interest rates are one of the Finance Minister's main tools of economic policy.tool for (doing) something: · Dance and aerobics classes are a useful tool for encouraging girls back to school P.E. lessons.
a carefully planned way of trying to get what you want: · He's threatening to sue us? That's a tactic he's used before.· Giving out criticism rather than praise is a tactic that rarely works in the workplace.delaying tactic (=something you do to gain more time for yourself): · The question was just a delaying tactic to stop her leaving the room.
plural media formal a physical or electronic method used for giving people information, for example the telephone, television, newspapers etc: · The wide variety of electronic media available on the Internet.medium for (doing) something: · DVDs have quickly become an extremely popular medium for film viewing.
written something you use as a way of expressing your ideas, communicating something to people, or achieving what you want: vehicle for (doing) something: · the use of TV soap operas as a vehicle for spreading public information· The secret ballot was an important vehicle for freer elections.
a way of achieving something - use this especially when there are several different ways and you are trying to find the best one or the only one that is really possible: · We explored every possible avenue, but still couldn't come up with a solution.
WORD SETSadze, nounair pump, nounanvil, nounattachment, nounauger, nounawl, nounaxe, nounbargepole, nounbattleaxe, nounbevel, nounbillhook, nounbit, nounblade, nounboat hook, nounbox end wrench, nounbradawl, nounbranding iron, nounBunsen burner, nounbuzz saw, nouncalculator, nouncallipers, nouncard, nounchainsaw, nounchisel, nouncircular saw, nounclaw, nouncraft knife, nouncrowbar, nouncutter, noundrill, noundropper, noundynamo, nounendoscope, nounfile, nounfile, verbgenerator, noungimlet, noungizmo, noungrappling iron, noungrindstone, nounhacksaw, nounhammer, nounhandsaw, nounharrow, nounhatchet, nounhigh-pressure, adjectiveinstrument, nounjack, nounjackhammer, nounjemmy, nounjigsaw, nounjimmy, nounknitting needle, nounlast, nounlevel, nounlever, nounmachete, nounmallet, nounmattock, nounmonkey wrench, nounnutcracker, nounpenknife, nounperiscope, nounpick, nounpickaxe, nounpinking shears, nounplane, nounplaner, nounpliers, nounplough, nounplumb line, nounplunger, nounpneumatic drill, nounpower drill, nounpower tool, nounprod, nounpulley, nounpunch, nounram, nounrasp, nounretool, verbriddle, nounrose, nounruler, nounsander, nounsandpaper, nounsaw, nounscissors, nounscraper, nounscrewdriver, nounshaft, nounshank, nounsickle, nounsieve, nounsledgehammer, nounsoldering iron, nounspanner, nounspirit level, nounspray gun, nounsquare, nounstamp, nounstaple gun, nounstripper, nountape, nountape measure, nountheodolite, nounthermometer, nounthermostat, nountomahawk, nountongs, nountool, nountool kit, nountriangle, nountrowel, nounT-square, nountwo-handed, adjectivewand, nounwedge, nounwhet, verbwhetstone, nounwire cutters, nounworkbench, nounyoke, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
These books are the tools of my trade (=the things I need to do my job).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Doctors depend on accurate diagnostic tools. Good teamwork is a powerful tool (=very effective method) for effective management.
These books are the tools of my trade (=the things I need to do my job). Doctors depend on accurate diagnostic tools. (=tools that you use for digging, planting etc in the garden)· Choose the right garden tool and you’ll do the job properly.
Good teamwork is a powerful tool (=very effective method) for effective management. (=an organization or type of communication that is used to spread propaganda)· The newspaper had been turned into a propaganda tool.
· The Internet is a useful tool for investors.
· Exercise is a valuable tool in treating depression.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not the sharpest tool in the box/shed
1- After their workmate was sacked, the other machinists all downed tools until she was reinstated.
- A precision instrument whose chief virtues were useless to anyone in this age.
- Basingstoke is noted for precision instruments.
- Wildland fire is not a precision instrument.
something that you hold in your hand and use to do a particular job: I don’t have the right tools to start fiddling around with the engine. a shop selling garden tools2a piece of equipment or a skill that is useful for doing your job: Television is an important tool for the modern teacher. These books are the tools of my trade (=the things I need to do my job).3someone who is used unfairly by another person and who has to do things they do not really want to do – used to show disapprovaltool of The king was merely a tool of the military government.4informal not polite a man’s penis (=sex organ) → down tools at down2(3)tool1 nountool2 verb
tooltool2 verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] VERB TABLE
tool
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | tool |
| he, she, it | tools | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | tooled |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have tooled |
| he, she, it | has tooled | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had tooled |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will tool |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have tooled |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am tooling |
| he, she, it | is tooling | |
| you, we, they | are tooling | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was tooling |
| you, we, they | were tooling | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been tooling |
| he, she, it | has been tooling | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been tooling |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be tooling |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been tooling |
WORD SETS
après-ski, nounbackpack, nounbackyard, nounbandstand, nounbarbecue, nounbarbecue, verbbarbie, nounbarker, nounBBQ, nounbeach ball, nounbeach chair, nounbeachcomber, nounbedroll, nounbig dipper, nounbig top, nounbig wheel, nounbilly, nounbirdseed, nounbird table, nounbivouac, nounbivouac, verbbloodhound, nounboardwalk, nounboating, nounbonfire, nounboomerang, nounbooth, nounbotanical garden, nounbriquette, nouncamp, verbcamper, nouncampground, nouncampsite, nouncampstool, nouncaravan, nouncaravanning, nouncoarse fishing, nouncompass, nouncrampon, nouncrest, verbcruise, verbcruise, nouncruiser, nouncyclist, noundovecot, noundriving range, nounduckboards, noundune buggy, nounfair, nounfairground, nounFerris wheel, nounfête, nounfield glasses, nounfish, verbfisherman, nounfishing, nounfishing line, nounfishing rod, nounfishing tackle, nounflysheet, nounFrisbee, nounfunfair, noungarden party, noungazebo, nounghost train, nounground cloth, noungroundsheet, noungun dog, nounguy, nounhammock, nounhamper, nounhelter-skelter, nounhen house, nounhide, nounhike, nounhike, verbhiker, nounhorsey, adjectiveiron rations, nounjungle gym, nounlido, nounlounger, nounmap-reading, nounmarina, nounmarquee, nounmaze, nounmenagerie, nounmerry-go-round, nounmetal detector, nounminiature golf, nounmonkey bars, nounmud, nounmudbath, nounmuddy, adjectivemud pie, nounnature reserve, nounnook, nounnudist, nounoutdoors, adverboutdoorsy, adjectiveoutfitter, nounpack, nounpack trip, nounpaddle, nounpaddle, verbpaddling pool, nounpageant, nounparade, nounparasol, nounpark, nounpark keeper, nounparkland, nounpatio, nounpavilion, nounpeg, nounpiton, nounpothole, nounPrimus, nounpromenade, nounPunch and Judy show, nounpunt, verbPYO, ramble, verbramble, nounrambler, nounrecreation ground, nounrest area, nounride, nounrod, nounroller coaster, nounroundabout, nounrubber dinghy, nounrucksack, nounrunner, nounRV, nounsailing, nounsailing boat, nounsandcastle, nounshooting stick, nounsite, nounsledge, verbsleeping bag, nounspeleology, nounsport, nounstate park, nounstock car, nounsub-aqua, adjectivesummerhouse, nounsunbathe, verbsundial, nounsun-drenched, adjectivesun lounger, nounsun-worshipper, nounsurfboard, nounswing, nounswing set, nountent, nountheme park, nountoboggan, verbtool, verbtootle, verbtopless, adjectivetorch, nountrain spotter, nounwading pool, nounwalk, nounwalker, nounwalking, nounwater bottle, nounwigwam, nounwilderness area, nounwoodcraft, nounyachting, nounyachtsman, nounyachtswoman, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Doctors depend on accurate diagnostic tools. Good teamwork is a powerful tool (=very effective method) for effective management.
Doctors depend on accurate diagnostic tools. (=tools that you use for digging, planting etc in the garden)· Choose the right garden tool and you’ll do the job properly.
Good teamwork is a powerful tool (=very effective method) for effective management. (=an organization or type of communication that is used to spread propaganda)· The newspaper had been turned into a propaganda tool.
· The Internet is a useful tool for investors.
· Exercise is a valuable tool in treating depression.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Get tooled up with baseball bats and go smash some windows in some club.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not the sharpest tool in the box/shed
American English informal to drive along a street, especially for fun: - After their workmate was sacked, the other machinists all downed tools until she was reinstated.
- A precision instrument whose chief virtues were useless to anyone in this age.
- Basingstoke is noted for precision instruments.
- Wildland fire is not a precision instrument.
He spent the afternoon tooling around town.tool up phrasal verb to prepare a factory for producing goods by providing the necessary tools and machinerytool something ↔ up The factory was tooled up to produce light weapons.