Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tool for making holes: A device, often powered, with a sharp rotating tip used to create holes in hard materials like wood, metal, or walls.
   • Military or procedural training: A session of repeated, methodical practice or instruction, especially for soldiers or in learning a skill.
   • A precise planting method: The act of sowing seeds in rows using a special machine, or the machine itself.
   • A type of primate: A short-tailed African monkey (genus Mandrillus), similar to but smaller than a mandrill.
   • A type of fabric: A strong, durable cotton cloth, often used for work clothes like uniforms.

2. Verb:

   • To make a hole: To bore a hole using a drill or similar pointed tool.
   • To train through repetition: To instruct or be instructed by means of repeated, systematic practice.
   • To sow seeds in rows: To plant seeds using a drill machine that places them in furrows.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He used an electric drill to hang the picture. (Tool)
  • The soldiers went out for morning drill on the parade ground. (Training)
  • The farmer used a seed drill for planting the corn. (Planting machine)

• Verb:

  • The dentist will drill the tooth to remove the decay. (Make a hole)
  • The coach drills the team on basic formations every practice. (Train by repetition)
  • We need to drill these beans before the rain comes. (Sow in rows)

Advanced Usage

• "Drill down": To examine something in increasing detail, often used in data analysis or discussions.

  • The report allows you to drill down from national statistics to individual city data.

• "Drill into": To instill an idea or habit through persistent repetition.

  • The teacher drilled the safety procedures into the students.

Variants and Related Words

• Drill bit (n): The removable, pointed cutting part of a drill.
• Drill sergeant (n): A non-commissioned officer who trains recruits in the military.
• Drill hall (n): A building used for military training and exercises.
• Drilling (n/gerund): The action or process of making holes or training.

Synonyms

• Practice (v/n): To perform an activity repeatedly to gain skill; a session of such activity.
• Bore (v): To make a hole, especially with a rotating tool.
• Train (v): To teach a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior through practice.
• Exercise (n): A task or activity done to practice or test a skill.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Drill in/into: To teach something thoroughly by constant repetition.

  • The formula was drilled into us until we could recite it perfectly.

• Drill through: To make a hole that passes completely through a material.

  • Be careful not to drill through the water pipe.

Related Idioms

• "Know the drill": To be familiar with the standard procedure or what is expected in a situation.

  • You've been here before, so you know the drill—sign in and wait for your name to be called.

• "Drill it home": To emphasize a point very strongly to ensure it is understood.

  • The manager drilled home the importance of customer service during the meeting.

Noun

1. (military) the training of soldiers to march (as in ceremonial parades) or to perform the manual of arms
2. systematic training by multiple repetitions
   • practice makes perfect
3. similar to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly colored
4. a tool with a sharp point and cutting edges for making holes in hard materials (usually rotating rapidly or by repeated blows)

Verb

1. undergo military training or do military exercises
2. teach by repetition
3. learn by repetition
   • We drilled French verbs every day
   • Pianists practice scales
4. train in the military, e.g., in the use of weapons
5. 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