drill

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English[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle Dutch drillen (bore, move in a circle)

Verb[edit]

drill (third-person singular simple present drills, present participle drilling, simple past and past participle drilled)

  1. (transitive) To create (a hole) by removing material with a drill (tool).
    Drill a small hole to start the screw in the right direction.
  2. (intransitive) To practice, especially in a military context.
    They drilled daily to learn the routine exactly.
  3. (transitive) To repeat an idea frequently in order to encourage someone to remember it.
    The instructor drilled into us the importance of reading the instructions.
  4. (intransitive) To investigate or examine something in more detail or at a different level
    Drill deeper and you may find the underlying assumptions faulty.
  5. (ergative) To cause one's subordinates to drill (practice).
    The sergeant was up by 6:00 every morning, drilling his troops.
  6. (transitive) To hit or kick with a lot of power.
    • 2006, Joe Coon, The Perfect Game,
      He did get their attention when he drilled the ball dead center into the hole for an opening birdie.
    • 2007, Craig Cowell, Muddy Sunday,
      Without compromising he drilled the ball home, leaving Dynamos' ill-fated keeper diving for fresh air.
    • 2010 December 29, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton”, BBC:
      Bolton were then just inches from taking the lead, but the dangerous-looking Taylor drilled just wide after picking up a loose ball following Jose Bosingwa's poor attempted clearance.
  7. (mildly vulgar) To have sexual intercourse.
    Is this going to take long? I've got a hot date to drill the flautist at the symphony tonight. - Brian Griffin, Family Guy
Translations[edit]
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Noun[edit]

drill (plural drills)

a battery-powered electric drill (the tool)
  1. A tool used to remove material so as to create a hole, typically by plunging a rotating cutting bit into a stationary workpiece.
    Wear safety glasses when operating an electric drill.
  2. The portion of a drilling tool that drives the bit
    Use a drill with a wire brush to remove any rust or buildup.
  3. An activity done as an exercise or practice (especially a military exercise)
    Regular fire drills can ensure that everyone knows how to exit safely in an emergency.
  4. Any of several molluscs, of the genus Urosalpinx, that drill holes in the shells of other animals.
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Quotations[edit]
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]

Related terms[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

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Wikispecies Probably of African origin; compare mandrill.

Noun[edit]

drill (plural drills)

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

Etymology 3[edit]

Abbreviation of drilling.

Noun[edit]

drill (plural drills)

  1. A strong, durable cotton fabric with a strong bias (diagonal) in the weave.
Translations[edit]

French[edit]

Etymology[edit]

English drill.

Noun[edit]

drill m (plural drills)

  1. drill (tool)

Related terms[edit]