Definition of awl
: a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood)
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Recent Examples of awl from the Web
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Hold back plate to wall or ceiling and mark screw points with scratch awl or nail through holes.
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Poke 2 holes in top of pumpkin with awl; insert wire curls.
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Some of these stone tools were specialized to either be attached to shafts or be thrown as projectiles, while others resemble scrapers and awls.
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According to news reports, the police discovered body parts from eight women and one man in Mr. Shiraishi’s apartment, along with a saw, ropes and an awl, apparently used to restrain and cut the bodies.
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Another uses brushes, rock hammers and awls to unearth the jawbone and partial skull of a champsasaur, an alligator-like animal with a thin snout.
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Guided by evidence from the past, researchers used a stone flake and a bird bone awl to weave rushes into bottles.
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Now use an awl to mark the hole for the dowel rod (C) in the crank arm (B).
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Find all of the deadly devices - tacks, peach, leech, awl, ennui - and win a (nonfatal) bookmark.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'awl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of awl
Origin and Etymology of awl
Middle English al, from Old English æl; akin to Old High German āla awl, Sanskrit ārā
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearAWL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of awl for English Language Learners
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: a pointed tool that is used for marking surfaces or for making small holes in leather, wood, etc.
AWL Defined for Kids
noun
\
ˈȯl
\
Definition of awl for Students
: a pointed tool for making small holes (as in leather or wood)
Learn More about awl
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See words that rhyme with awl Spanish Central: Translation of awl Nglish: Translation of awl for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about awl
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