Meaning & use

tool

noun·Everyday

A device or implement, especially a handheld one, used to carry out a particular physical task.

See it in a sentence

He kept every tool neatly hung on the wall of his garage workshop.

A hammer is the most basic tool needed for simple carpentry repairs.

A note on using this word

Tool also extends to anything used to achieve a goal, such as a software tool, and informally to a person used or manipulated by others.

Words with a similar meaning

implementinstrumentdevice

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

Slang for a foolish or contemptible person, especially one who is easily manipulated.

He felt like a tool after falling for such an obvious prank.

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