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
tooled; tooling; tools
2
: to equip a plant or industry with the means (such as machines, machine tools, and instruments) of production
—often used with up
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
Synonyms
Examples of tool in a Sentence
Noun (1)
needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance
a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power
you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials
Verb
We tooled along the highway.
He tooled a design on the leather belt.
a belt made of tooled leather
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonathan Fischbein, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
The first two episodes of Monsters paint a portrait of the brothers that matches the first impressions most people got of them from the media: They are entitled, rich, preppy, swole dudes tooling around Los Angeles in limousines.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024
On the white marble counter of the open kitchen lie six or seven tools neatly arranged by size, including a power drill, a hammer, and a handsaw.
—Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tool 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Moreover, the lack of interconnection generates severe friction in workflows; tasks that should take a few seconds can take several minutes or even hours as teams jump from tool to tool to execute a simple task.
—Jonathan Fischbein, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
The first two episodes of Monsters paint a portrait of the brothers that matches the first impressions most people got of them from the media: They are entitled, rich, preppy, swole dudes tooling around Los Angeles in limousines.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
More digital tools than ever before have come to market to address the ongoing loneliness epidemic.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 14 Nov. 2024
On the white marble counter of the open kitchen lie six or seven tools neatly arranged by size, including a power drill, a hammer, and a handsaw.
—Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tool
Dictionary Entries Near tool
Cite this Entry
“Tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tool. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tool
1 of 2 noun1
: a device (as a hammer, saw, knife, or wrench) used or worked by hand or by a machine
2
a
: something used in doing one's job as if it were a tool
a scholar's books are his tools
b
: something that helps to gain an end
hard work is a tool for success
3
: a person used by another : dupe
tool
2 of 2 verb1
: to shape, form, or finish with a tool
2
: to equip a plant or industry with machines and tools for production
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share