Illustration of gimlet
gimlet
1 of 4noun (1)
gim·let ˈgim-lət 
: a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes
gimlet
2 of 4adjective
: having a piercing or penetrating quality
gimlet
3 of 4verb
gimleted; gimleting; gimlets
transitive verb
: to pierce as if with a gimlet
gimlet
4 of 4noun (2)
: a drink consisting of sweetened lime juice and gin or vodka and sometimes carbonated or plain water
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Anglo-French guimbelet, from Middle French (Picard), modification of Middle Dutch wimmelkijn, from wimmel wimble
Noun (2)
probably from gimlet entry 1
First Known Use
Noun (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1752, in the meaning defined above
Verb
1840, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
1928, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing gimlet
Kids Definition
gimlet
noun
gim·let ˈgim-lət
: a small pointed tool for making holes
gimlet
verb
as in to bayonet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- bayonet
- quill
- pike
- poniard
- prong
- perforate
- dirk
- riddle
- punch
- knife
- poke
- spindle
- prick
- thrust
- slice
- spear
- pinprick
- skewer
- harpoon
- pierce
- jab
- spit
- stab
- pink
- lance
- peck
- impale
- puncture
- spike
- stick
- transfix
- cut
- gore
- run through
- pick
- transpierce