awl
LowTechnical, Historical, Specialised, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A small pointed hand tool used for making holes, especially in leather or wood.
A tool used historically by various trades (shoemakers, sailmakers, carpenters) to pierce small holes before inserting a screw or thread.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Awls are typically handheld, non-powered tools. The term is strongly associated with traditional crafts and manual trades; less common in modern industrial contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Both variants have the same connotations: craftsmanship, manual work, historical or traditional trades.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to use [an awl]to pierce [sth] [with an awl]to make [a hole] [with an awl]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As busy as a cobbler's awl (rare, archaic)”
- “Sharp as an awl (descriptive simile)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Very rare, except in specialised retail of craft/tool supplies.
Academic
Appears in historical, archaeological, or craft/technology studies texts.
Everyday
Very low. Known by educated adults but seldom used in daily conversation.
Technical
Used in woodworking, leatherworking, shoemaking, and traditional sailmaking contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully awled the leather before stitching.
- (Note: 'awl' as a verb is exceptionally rare and non-standard; 'pierced' or 'pricked' is preferred).
American English
- She awled the wood to start the screw hole.
- (Note: 'awl' as a verb is exceptionally rare and non-standard; 'pierced' or 'pricked' is preferred).
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The awl point was sharp.
- (Adjectival use is rare; typically a noun compound like 'awl point').
American English
- An awl-like tool was found.
- (Adjectival use is rare; typically a noun compound like 'awl tip').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is an awl. It is a tool.
- The man has an awl in his hand.
- The shoemaker used an awl to make holes in the leather.
- You need an awl to start a hole for the screw.
- Before the invention of electric drills, carpenters relied on awls and gimlets to bore pilot holes.
- The archaeologist identified the bone tool as an awl, used for piercing animal hides.
- The sailmaker's kit, comprised of a palm, needles, and a selection of awls, was essential for working the heavy canvas.
- His technique was impeccable; with a few deft twists of the scratch awl, he marked the dovetail joints with perfect precision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The cobbler used an AWL to make holes for the Laces.'
Conceptual Metaphor
Precision and manual creation (to be an 'awl' is to be a precise, piercing instrument of creation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'owl' (сова).
- Often confused with 'needle' (игла). An awl is thicker, sturdier, and does not carry thread.
- Do not translate as 'drill' (дрель). An awl is manually operated.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'all' or 'owl'.
- Using 'awl' as a verb (extremely rare).
- Pronouncing it to rhyme with 'owl' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts are you most likely to encounter the word 'awl' being used accurately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An awl is a simple, non-rotating, pointed hand tool used to pierce or indent material. A drill is a power or hand tool that rotates to bore a hole.
Traditionally on leather and wood. It can also be used on other soft materials like canvas, plastic, or soft metals to start a hole or make a guide mark.
It is a specialised tool term. As traditional crafts like shoemaking and sailmaking have become industrialised, the everyday use and recognition of such tools have diminished.
Yes. A bradawl is a specific type of awl with a flat or chisel-like point, designed primarily for wood to separate fibres without splitting. A general awl often has a round, tapered point.