awl

noun

ˈȯl 

: a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood)

Illustration of awl

Examples of awl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Puts his hands on mine and guides the awl, the needle, the paintbrush. — Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

Some awls, or handheld ice spikes, are important to have. — Ray Petelin, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026

Quills are embroidered into birchbark with small sewing awls made from needles. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Simply use an awl to pierce a channel through two apples and thread twine through the bottom of one and the top of the other. — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al, from Old English æl; akin to Old High German āla awl, Sanskrit ārā

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

awl

noun

ˈȯl 

: a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for making small holes (as in leather or wood)