drill bit

IPA/ˈdrɪl ˌbɪt/
IPA/ˈdrɪl ˌbɪt/

drill bit — noun

1. the small, pointed metal piece that fits onto a drill and turns quickly to make

1.nounB2
Definition

the small, pointed metal piece that fits onto a drill and turns quickly to make round holes in wood, metal, or walls.

Example

Pim changed the drill bit to a wider one before making holes in the door.

change the drill bit to [a different size]

The old drill bit snapped in half while Mateo was drilling into the brick wall.

drill bit snaps / breaks under hard material

Common collocations
  • change the drill bit
  • a blunt drill bit
  • a masonry drill bit
  • snap a drill bit
Synonyms
  • bit

    the short everyday form once the context of a drill is clear

Usage Note

Almost always countable and physical; speakers name it by size or material (a 6mm bit, a masonry bit). Distinguish from the whole drill, which is the power tool that turns the bit.

Common Mistakes

I broke the drill making the hole.
I broke the drill bit making the hole.
the bit is the small cutting part; the drill is the whole tool that spins it.

Word family

Common collocations

Phrases

  • change the drill bit
  • a set of drill bits
  • the right size drill bit

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

A compound of 'drill', the spinning tool that bores holes, and 'bit', an old word for the working metal piece that does the actual cutting or biting into a surface. The 'bit' sense comes from the same root as 'bite' — the part that bites into the material.