First Known Use: 1619
Dictionary
1drill
verb \ˈdril\
Definition of DRILL
transitive verb
1
a : to fix something in the mind or habit pattern of by repetitive instruction <drill pupils in spelling> b : to impart or communicate by repetition c : to train or exercise in military drill
2
a (1) : to bore or drive a hole in (2) : to make by piercing action <drill a hole> b : to shoot with or as if with a gun c (1) : to propel (as a ball) with force or accuracy <drilled a single to right field> (2) : to hit with force <drilled the batter with the first pitch>
intransitive verb
1
: to make a hole with a drill
2
: to engage in an exercise
— drill·abil·i·ty \ˌdri-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— drill·able \-lə-bəl\ adjective
— drill·er \ˈdri-lər\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DRILL
Dutch drillen
2drill
noun
Definition of DRILL
1
: an instrument with an edged or pointed end for making holes in hard substances by revolving or by a succession of blows; also : a machine for operating such an instrument
2
: the act or exercise of training soldiers in marching and in executing prescribed movements with a weapon
3
a : a physical or mental exercise aimed at perfecting facility and skill especially by regular practice b : a formal exercise by a team of marchers c : the approved, correct, or usual procedure for accomplishing something : routine
4
a : a marine snail (Urosalpinx cinerea) destructive to oysters by boring through their shells and feeding on the soft parts b : any of several mollusks related to the drill
5
: a drilling sound
First Known Use of DRILL
1611
3drill
noun
Definition of DRILL
: a western African baboon (Mandrillus leucophaeus syn. Papio leucophaeus) having a black face and brown coat and closely related to the typical mandrills
Origin of DRILL
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1644
4drill
noun
Definition of DRILL
1
a : a shallow furrow or trench into which seed is sown b : a row of seed sown in such a furrow
2
: a planting implement that makes holes or furrows, drops in the seed and sometimes fertilizer, and covers them with earth
Origin of DRILL
perhaps from drill small stream, from obsolete drill to trickle, drip
First Known Use: 1727
5drill
verb
Definition of DRILL
transitive verb
1
: to sow (seeds) by dropping along a shallow furrow
2
a : to sow with seed or set with seedlings inserted in drills b : to distribute seed or fertilizer in by means of a drill
First Known Use of DRILL
circa 1740
6drill
noun
Definition of DRILL
: a durable cotton twilled fabric
Origin of DRILL
short for drilling
First Known Use: 1743
DRILLS Defined for Kids
1drill
verb \ˈdril\
drilleddrill·ing
Definition of DRILL for Kids
1
: to make holes in with a drill
2
: to teach by repeating a lesson or exercise again and again
— drill·er noun <an oil driller>
2drill
noun
Definition of DRILL for Kids
1
: a tool for making holes in hard substances
2
: the training of soldiers (as in marching)
3
: instruction in a subject or physical training that is practiced repeatedly
3drill
noun
Definition of DRILL for Kids
: a special machine for making holes or furrows and planting seeds in them
4drill
verb
drilleddrill·ing
Definition of DRILL for Kids
: to sow seeds with or as if with a special machine
Learn More About DRILL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: drill barrowPrevious Word in the Dictionary: drikiAll Words Near: drill
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up drill? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).