tool ( tools plural )
1 n-count A tool is any instrument or simple piece of equipment that you hold in your hands and use to do a particular kind of work. For example, spades, hammers, and knives are all tools.
I find the best tool for the purpose is a pair of shears.
2 n-count You can refer to anything that you use for a particular purpose as a particular type of tool.
usu with supp, oft N for -ing/n
The video has become an invaluable teaching tool...
3 n-count If you describe someone as a tool of a particular person, group, or system, you mean that they are controlled and used by that person, group, or system, especially to do unpleasant or dishonest things.
usu N of n (disapproval)
He became the tool of the security services.
4 If you say that workers down tools, you mean that they stop working suddenly in order to strike or to make a protest of some kind.
down tools phrase V inflects
5 The tools of your trade or the tools of the trade are the skills, instruments, and other equipment that you need in order to do your job properly.
tools of one's/the trade phrase PHR after v, oft v-link PHR They're here to learn the tools of their trade from their American colleagues...
hand tool ( hand tools plural ) Hand tools are fairly simple tools which you use with your hands, and which are usually not powered. n-count
machine tool ( machine tools plural ) A machine tool is a machine driven by power that cuts, shapes, or finishes metal or other materials. n-count
tool box ( tool boxes plural ) A tool box is a metal or plastic box which contains general tools that you need at home, for example to do repairs in your house or car. n-count
tool kit ( tool kits plural ) A tool kit is a special set of tools that are kept together and that are often used for a particular purpose. n-count