drill

To make a hole using a tool with a sharp part that turns quickly.

• Drill two holes here.
• She drilled through the wooden board.
• The dentist will drill into the damaged tooth.

How to use it: drill a hole in something (We drilled a hole in the wall.); drill into/through something (The workers drilled through the concrete.)

Similar words: bore

Common phrases: drill a hole, drill into something, drill through something

To make someone learn information by repeating it many times.

• Teachers drill basic facts into their pupils.
• My father drilled road safety into me.
• She drilled those dates into our heads before the exam.

How to use it: drill something into someone/someone's head (Our teacher drilled the spelling rules into us.)

Similar words: instill, hammer home

Common phrases: drill something into someone, drill into someone, drill home something

To train people by making them repeat movements or exercises, especially military ones.

• The sergeant drills the troops.
• Our coach drilled us in basic footwork.
• She drilled the new recruits for an hour.

How to use it: drill someone in something (The sergeant drilled the recruits in marching.); drill someone on something (The coach drilled us on defensive moves.)

Similar words: train, coach

Common phrases: drill the troops, drill someone in something, drill the team

To practice movements or actions repeatedly, especially as part of military training.

• The soldiers drill every morning.
• We drilled until everyone knew the routine.
• The recruits are drilling in the yard.

How to use it: drill on something (The recruits drilled on basic movements all morning.)

Similar words: practice, train, rehearse

Common phrases: drill daily, drill together, drill on something

A tool or machine with a turning sharp part, used to make holes.

• I need a drill for this job.
• Her cordless drill has a flat battery.
• We used two drills to make the holes.

Common phrases: electric drill, drill bit, cordless drill

The powered part of a tool that turns an attached piece to make holes or clean surfaces.

• This drill needs a new battery.
• She attached a wire brush to the drill.
• Does your drill have a variable speed setting?

Common phrases: cordless drill, electric drill, drill motor

An exercise that prepares people for a real situation or helps them improve a skill.

• We had a fire drill today.
• The soldiers completed their morning drills.
• This emergency drill prepares staff for an earthquake.

Similar words: exercise, practice, rehearsal

Common phrases: fire drill, emergency drill, military drill

A short exercise repeated during sports practice to improve a particular skill.

• The coach showed us a passing drill.
• We repeated the drill until everyone understood it.
• These drills help young players control the ball.

Similar words: training exercise, practice exercise

Common phrases: passing drill, shooting drill, training drill