Collins English-English Dictionary

drill [drɪl]

1. 1. n a rotating tool that is inserted into a drilling machine or tool for boring cylindrical holes

2. 2. n a hand tool, either manually or electrically operated, for drilling holes

3. 3. n [military] training in procedures or movements, as for ceremonial parades or the use of weapons

4. 4. n (as modifier)

   drill hall

5. 5. n strict and often repetitious training or exercises used as a method of teaching

6. 6. n [informal] correct procedure or routine

7. 7. n a marine gastropod mollusc, Urosalpinx cinera, closely related to the whelk, that preys on oysters

8. 8. vb to pierce, bore, or cut (a hole) in (material) with or as if with a drill

   to drill a hole

   to drill metal

9. 9. vb to instruct or be instructed in military procedures or movements

10. 10. vt. [tr] to teach by rigorous exercises or training

11. 11. vt. [tr] [informal] to hit (a ball) in a straight line at great speed

12. 12. vt. [tr] [informal] to riddle with bullets

13. 13. vt. See also drill down

14. 14. vt. [Etymology] C17: from Middle Dutch drillen; related to Old High German draen to turn

drill [drɪl]

1. 1. n a machine for planting seeds in rows or depositing fertilizer

2. 2. n a small furrow in which seeds are sown

3. 3. n a row of seeds planted using a drill

4. 4. vb to plant (seeds) by means of a drill

5. 5. vb [Etymology] C18: of uncertain origin; compare German Rille furrow

drill [drɪl]

1. 1. n a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton cloth, used for uniforms, etc

2. 2. n [Etymology] C18: variant of German Drillich, from Latin trilix, from tri- + licium thread

drill [drɪl]

1. 1. n an Old World monkey, Mandrillus leucophaeus, of W Africa, related to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly coloured

2. 2. n [Etymology] C17: from a West African word; compare mandrill