gimlet

1 of 4

noun (1)

gim·​let ˈgim-lət 

: a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes

Illustration of gimlet

gimlet

2 of 4

adjective

: having a piercing or penetrating quality

gimlet

3 of 4

verb

gimleted; gimleting; gimlets

transitive verb

: to pierce as if with a gimlet

gimlet

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a drink consisting of sweetened lime juice and gin or vodka and sometimes carbonated or plain water

Examples of gimlet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The menu sports a short list of slightly twisted classics—a martini made with junmai daiginjo sake, a gimlet with ginger-lime cordial, a white negroni sbagliato. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Then there’s ker, a tangy berry from Jaisalmer traditionally snacked on to boost stamina, which the bartenders infuse into gin for a refreshing (stamina-inducing, even) gimlet. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

Not knowing what to do with themselves, Sonnenfeld and Place decamped for the Ivy, ordering gimlets despite the early hour. — Dan Heching, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Yes, there are definitely margaritas (try the excellent frozen Al Pastor rendition) but also much more, like the Epazote—an aromatic tequila gimlet (below). — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French guimbelet, from Middle French (Picard), modification of Middle Dutch wimmelkijn, from wimmel wimble

Noun (2)

probably from gimlet entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1928, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gimlet

• gimlet-eyed

Rhymes for gimlet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

gimlet

noun

gim·​let

ˈgim-lət

: a small tool with a screw point and cross handle for boring holes