Drill Meaning
/dɹɪl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo create (a hole) by removing material with a drill (tool).
verbTo practice, especially in (or as in) a military context.
Sentence Examples
We had a fire drill yesterday.
They intended to drill for oil.
The construction workers used a heavy drill to break the concrete.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The construction worker used a power ____ to make holes in the wall.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We had a fire ____ yesterday.
Word Origin & History
From Middle Dutch drillen (“bore, move in a circle”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"On his return the team that faced Hull City had been reconfigured. Moses wasn’t overly drilled, just told he would be playing right wing-back, that Conte had seen enough to know."
— 2017 May 13, Barney Ronay, “Antonio Conte’s brilliance has turned Chelsea’s pop-up team into champions”, in the Guardian:
"He [Frederic the Great] drilled his people, as he drilled his grenadiers."
— 1859, Thomas Macaulay, Life of Frederick the Great:
"Now I want you to take Vallett in hand and drill him stiff with everything that has to do with Tilehurst and Tapsfield."
— 1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:
"He did get their attention when he drilled the ball dead center into the hole for an opening birdie."
— 2006, Joe Coon, The Perfect Game:
"Without compromising he drilled the ball home, leaving Dynamos' ill-fated keeper diving for fresh air."
— 2007, Craig Cowell, Muddy Sunday:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The construction worker used a power ____ to make holes in the wall.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We had a fire ____ yesterday.