Home / Dictionary / Drill

Drill Very Common

Drill has 18 different meanings across 2 categories:

Noun · Verb

Definitions
Noun
1

a tool with a sharp point and cutting edges for making holes in hard materials (usually rotating rapidly or by repeated blows)

"The electric drill effortlessly bored a hole through the thick wooden beam."

2

similar to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly colored

"The drill monkey is similar to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly colored."

3

systematic training by multiple repetitions

"practice makes perfect"

4

(military) the training of soldiers to march (as in ceremonial parades) or to perform the manual of arms

"The new recruits spent their afternoon drilling on the parade ground until they moved as a single, synchronized unit."

5

A tool used to remove material so as to create a hole, typically by plunging a rotating cutting bit into a stationary workpiece.

"The tailor chose drill to make a pair of sturdy trousers that would hold their shape well."

6

An agricultural implement for making holes for sowing seed, and sometimes so formed as to contain seeds and drop them into the hole made.

7

A small trickling stream; a rill.

8

An Old World monkey of West Africa, Mandrillus leucophaeus, similar in appearance to the mandrill, but lacking the colorful face.

9

A strong, durable cotton fabric with a strong bias (diagonal) in the weave.

In plain English: Drill is a sturdy cotton cloth woven diagonally so it stretches easily.

"Her favorite summer dress was made of lightweight drill that kept her cool."

Usage: This noun refers specifically to a sturdy, twilled cotton fabric often used for military uniforms and workwear due to its durability. Note that "drill" can also be a verb meaning to practice or bore, so context is key.

Verb
1

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

"don't drill here, there's a gas pipe"

"drill a hole into the wall"

"drill for oil"

"carpenter bees are boring holes into the wall"

2

train in the military, e.g., in the use of weapons

"The new recruits spent their entire morning drilling on how to properly aim and fire their rifles."

3

learn by repetition

"We drilled French verbs every day"

"Pianists practice scales"

4

teach by repetition

"The coach drilled the players on the new formation until they could execute it without thinking."

5

undergo military training or do military exercises

"The new recruits spent their first week at camp undergoing intense drill to learn proper marching and weapon handling."

6

To create (a hole) by removing material with a drill (tool).

"The spy tried to drill him into revealing the secret codes by pretending to be a friendly journalist."

7

To sow (seeds) by dribbling them along a furrow or in a row.

8

To cause to flow in drills or rills or by trickling; to drain by trickling.

9

To entice or allure; to decoy; with on.

In plain English: To drill someone on something means to persistently question them about it.

"The con artist tried to drill him on investing in a risky scheme."

Usage: Use "drill [someone] on" to mean persistently persuade or coax someone into doing something, often through flattery or charm. She tried to drill him on accepting the invitation.

Example Sentences
"Her favorite summer dress was made of lightweight drill that kept her cool." noun
"The new employee needs to complete safety drills before starting work." noun
"Our team had to go through several fire drills during the week." noun
"He spent hours practicing with his rifle drill in the backyard." noun
"The con artist tried to drill him on investing in a risky scheme." verb
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
tool baboon training cut train learn teach
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
auger bore bit brace and bit breast drill core drill dentist's drill hand drill power drill reamer trepan fire drill manual of arms military drill rehearsal review scrimmage shadowboxing target practice spud counter-drill hammer in inculcate

Origin

The word comes from Middle Dutch drillen, which meant to bore or move in a circle.

Rhyming Words
ill kill cill vill will fill till lill bill sill pill gill yill nill rill dill zill mill hill jill
Compare
Drill vs