tool

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a piece of software or a method that helps you finish a task.

n. a digital utility or abstract resource employed to facilitate a specific operation or process.

日本語:ツール※

“This website is a great tool for learning new vocabulary words.”

“The developers integrated a new debugging tool into the environment to streamline the identification of memory leaks.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. a person who is used by someone else to get what they want, often without knowing it.

n. a person used by another to perform a task or achieve an objective, typically in a subservient or unwitting capacity.

日本語:道具※

“He realized too late that he was just a tool in their political game.”

“The ambitious minister was merely a tool of the crown, discarded as soon as the controversial policy had been enacted.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Slang · Informal

n. an annoying or stupid person who tries too hard to look cool.

n. a derogatory term for an obnoxious, contemptible, or socially inept individual.

“Don't listen to him; he's just a tool who likes to hear himself talk.”

“The lead singer acted like such a tool during the interview that the journalist decided to kill the story entirely.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · American English · Dialect

n. a slang word for a gun.

n. a slang term for a firearm, specifically a handgun.

“The lyrics mentioned keeping a tool under the car seat for protection.”

“In certain urban dialects, the term tool is frequently used as a coded reference to a concealed handgun.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

v. to decorate or shape something, like leather, using special equipment.

v. to work on or ornament a surface, particularly leather or metal, using specialized implements.

“The artist spent hours toiling to tool the intricate design into the leather belt.”

“The antique book was bound in hand-tooled calfskin, featuring gold-leaf accents along the spine.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal · British English

v. to drive or travel in a vehicle, usually in a relaxed way.

v. to travel or cruise in a vehicle, often implying a casual or aimless manner.

“We spent the afternoon tooling around the countryside in his old convertible.”

“They spent the bank holiday tooling along the coastal roads, stopping occasionally to admire the view.”