tool
1 of 3noun (1)
ˈtül 
1
a
: a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task
b(1)
: the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool
(2)
: a machine for shaping metal : machine tool
2
a
: something (such as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession
a scholar's books are his tools
b
: an element of a computer program (such as a graphics application) that activates and controls a particular function
a drawing tool
c
: a means to an end
a book's cover can be a marketing tool
d
slang, vulgar : penis
3
a
: one who is used or manipulated by another
And then there was former trainer Pfeil, viewed as another tool of management for his gruff ways.
Sam Smith
Sam Smith b
informal : a foolish or unlikable person : jerk
Before you compete on a reality TV show, you basically sign away your right to protect yourself from looking like a total tool in front of an international viewing audience. Steve Tilley
Steve Tilley4
tools plural : natural ability
has all the tools to be a great pitcher
tool
2 of 3verb
tooled; tooling; tools
intransitive verb
1
: drive, ride
2
: to equip a plant or industry with the means (such as machines, machine tools, and instruments) of production —often used with up
transitive verb
1
: to shape, form, or finish with a tool
especially : to letter or ornament (something, such as leather or gold) by means of hand tools
2
a
: to cause (a vehicle) to go : drive
b
: to convey in a vehicle
3
: to equip (a factory, an industry, etc.) with tools, machines, and instruments for production
tool
3 of 3noun (2)
: a design (as on the binding of a book) made by tooling
Synonyms
Noun (1)
- device
- implement
- instrument
- utensil
Verb
- automobile
- drive
- motor
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb We tooled along the highway. He tooled a design on the leather belt. a belt made of tooled leather
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English tōl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use — more at taw
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1812, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a
Noun (2)
1881, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing tool
Kids Definition
tool 1 of 2
noun
ˈtül
1
: an instrument (as a saw, file, knife, or wrench) used or worked by hand or machine to perform a task
2
: something that helps to gain an end
"… the dictionary is the finest tool ever made for educating young minds …" Andrew Clements, Frindle
Andrew Clements, Frindle3
: a person used by another : dupe
tool
2 of 2verb
tooled; tooling
1
: to drive or ride in a vehicle
2
: to shape, form, or finish with a tool
3
: to equip a plant or industry with machines and tools for production
tools 1 of 2
noun
1
as in devices
an article intended for use in work needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- devices
- instruments
- mechanisms
- gadgets
- utensils
- implements
- apparatuses
- accessories
- apparatus
- appliances
- gizmos
- contraptions
- attachments
- gismos
- accoutrements
- contrivances
- appendages
- accouterments
- jiggers
- accessaries
- adjuncts
2
as in pawns
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power Synonyms & Similar Words
- pawns
- instruments
- minions
- puppets
- lay figures
- victims
- suckers
- cat's-paws
- dupes
- foils
- chumps
- gulls
- stooges
- lap dogs
- yes-men
3
as in suckers
one who is easily deceived or cheated you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials Synonyms & Similar Words
- suckers
- victims
- targets
- dupes
- patsies
- soft touches
- chumps
- saps
- pigeons
- gulls
- fools
- losers
- pushovers
- mugs
- idiots
- dummies
- monkeys
- butts
- lunatics
- morons
- mocks
- marks
- cat's-paws
- geese
- mockeries
- dumbbells
- simps
- boobies
- laughingstocks
- derisions
- dolts
- turkeys
- blockheads
- schlumps
- dopes
- jackasses
- imbeciles
- nincompoops
- nitwits
- simpletons
- ninnies
- dodoes
- schnooks
- dunces
- schlemiels
- half-wits
- schlubs
- shlemiels
- yo-yos
- shlubs
- dodos
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- confidence men
- cheats
- sharpers
- cheaters
- swindlers
- tricksters
- sharks
- slickers
- cozeners
- dodgers
- defrauders
- hoaxers
tools
2 of 2verb
as in drives
to travel by a motorized vehicle I spent some time tooling around town today Synonyms & Similar Words
- drives
- motors
- automobiles
- races
- hacks
- wheels
- rides
- taxis
- chauffeurs
- rolls
- taxies
- joyrides
- drags