Drill Meaning

UK /drɪl/
US /drɪl/
Word Definition
drill meaning

Drill Definition & Usage

noun

A tool or machine used for making round holes or driving fasteners.

Examples

  • "He used a drill to make a hole in the wall for the shelf."
  • "The mechanic grabbed a drill to tighten the bolts on the engine."
  • "She applied pressure to the drill, cutting through the thick wood."
  • "The carpenter’s drill was buzzing as it bored into the metal surface."
  • "Drills are essential in construction for both making holes and fastening materials."
verb

To make a hole in something using a drill, or to practice a specific task repeatedly.

Examples

  • "They drilled holes in the ground to plant the fence posts."
  • "The soldiers were drilled daily on the proper use of their equipment."
  • "He drilled the screws into the wooden panel with great precision."
  • "She drilled the process until she could do it without thinking."
  • "The coach drilled the players on their footwork before the big game."
noun

A methodical and repetitive exercise or practice, especially for preparing for an emergency or a task.

Examples

  • "The team underwent a fire drill to prepare for any emergency situation."
  • "Every year, the office holds a safety drill to ensure all employees know what to do in case of a fire."
  • "The teacher led the students through a lockdown drill after the recent scare."
  • "The military conducts regular drills to keep their soldiers ready for deployment."
  • "Before the event, the director ran a drill for the crew to ensure the performance went smoothly."

Cultural Context

The term 'drill' has evolved from its early uses in military training, where it described both the practice of repetition and the actual physical tool. Over time, it expanded to other fields, including construction and education, where it is used to describe both the tool and methodical practices.

The Drill That Saved the Day

Story

The Drill That Saved the Day

It was a typical Tuesday afternoon when the team of engineers gathered in the construction yard, ready for another day of hard work. The sun was shining brightly, and the air smelled of fresh concrete. Mark, the team leader, was preparing to drill into the cement foundation of a new skyscraper. As he fired up the powerful drill, the hum of the machine resonated through the site. But as he began drilling, a strange sound echoed—a loud thud followed by a crack. The drill bit had hit something hard underneath the concrete. 'Watch out,' Mark called, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. 'We've hit a hidden pipeline.' He quickly signaled his team to stop drilling. 'We need to practice emergency drills for these situations,' he reminded them. The team had undergone regular safety drills, but it had been a while since they had faced a real emergency. Thanks to their preparation, they acted swiftly to secure the area, preventing any damage to the pipeline. Later that afternoon, Mark gathered the team for a debriefing. 'Good job, everyone,' he said. 'This drill saved us from making a costly mistake. Let’s make sure we continue drilling these procedures into our heads.' Everyone nodded, understanding that practice and readiness were as crucial as the drills they used on the job. Back at the office, the safety officer ran a quick fire drill for the staff, just as she did every quarter. The employees knew the routine by heart. When the alarm rang, they calmly evacuated the building, ensuring the drills were as effective as possible. 'Preparedness is everything,' the officer smiled, satisfied with the smooth operation. That evening, Mark reflected on how much the team had learned from both their drills and their mistakes. Whether in construction, safety training, or even sports, repetition and practice were the keys to excellence.

The Drill That Saved the Day