power drill: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighEveryday, Technical/DIY, Business (retail/manufacturing)
Quick answer
What does “power drill” mean?
A handheld, electrically-powered tool for drilling holes or driving screws, typically with a rotating or percussive mechanism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld, electrically-powered tool for drilling holes or driving screws, typically with a rotating or percussive mechanism.
A generic term for a drill machine, distinguishing it from manual, non-powered drills; can metaphorically refer to something forceful, relentless, or effective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. 'Power drill' is standard in both. 'Cordless drill' or 'battery drill' is a common sub-type. In the UK, one might hear a more specific term like 'percussion drill' or 'SDS drill' for masonry work.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with DIY, construction, and manual work.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “power drill” in a Sentence
VERB + power drill: use, operate, charge, plug in, holdADJ + power drill: cordless, electric, handheld, new, powerfulpower drill + VERB: whirrs, spins, drills, bores, drives (screws)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power drill” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to power-drill through this brickwork.
- I'm going to power-drill the holes for the curtain rail.
American English
- He's going to power-drill the pilot holes first.
- We had to power-drill into the concrete foundation.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a power-drill job, not a hand-tool one.
- The power-drill attachment was missing.
American English
- He has a power-drill collection in his garage.
- We offer power-drill safety courses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail: 'Our best-selling power drill is the Model X200.' Manufacturing: 'Ensure all operators are trained on the power drill.'
Academic
Engineering/Design: 'The torque output of the power drill was measured under load.'
Everyday
DIY/Home: 'I need to borrow a power drill to put up these shelves.'
Technical
Construction/Tools: 'The 18V brushless power drill offers superior runtime and power.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power drill”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power drill”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power drill”
- Incorrect: 'I need a power for drilling.' (Missing 'drill') Correct: 'I need a power drill.'
- Incorrect article: 'He is power drill operator.' Correct: 'He is a power drill operator.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always, yes. 'Power drill' is a broader term that includes both corded (electric) and cordless (battery-powered) drills. 'Electric drill' sometimes specifically implies a corded model.
Yes, but it's less common and often hyphenated ('to power-drill'). It means to drill using a power drill. In most everyday contexts, people just say 'drill' (e.g., 'I'll drill the holes').
Always secure your workpiece, wear eye protection, and ensure the drill bit is tightly chucked and appropriate for the material. For corded drills, also be mindful of the cable's position.
A standard power drill is primarily for drilling holes and can drive screws. An impact driver is specialised for driving screws and bolts; it delivers concussive rotational force (impacts) for greater torque and is less prone to cam-out. Many DIYers have both.
A handheld, electrically-powered tool for drilling holes or driving screws, typically with a rotating or percussive mechanism.
Power drill is usually everyday, technical/diy, business (retail/manufacturing) in register.
Power drill: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə ˌdrɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊɚ ˌdrɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a power drill through butter (extremely easy or effective)”
- “Drill sergeant's voice had the power drill effect (penetrating, relentless). Note: Idiomatic use is creative/rare.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
POWER gives it force, DRILL tells its course. Think of the 'power' cable or battery, and the 'drill' bit that spins.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POWER DRILL IS A FORCEFUL EXTENSION OF THE BODY (penetrating, efficient). POWER is agency/energy; DRILLING is penetrating/creating.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function that distinguishes a 'power drill' from a 'hand drill'?