power tool

noun

plural power tools

: a tool (such as a circular saw, drill, or sander) that uses an engine or motor to supplement human effort

an electric/cordless power tool

… the days when many, like my father, built and made major repairs in and around their homes with no power tools …

—Alonzo Kittrels

Power tools are generally more dangerous than hand tools because of their higher speed and torque.

—Deane Biermeier and Samantha Allen

compare hand tool

Examples of power tool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Social media last week blew up with masses of people who agreed and said the incident showed that AI assistants given access to calendars, emails, messages, shopping accounts, and other resources are akin to a skill saw or other power tool. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

In all, roughly 1,200 workers are still grinding away, some with power tools, others with 10-foot-long feather dusters, cleaning the rafters beneath the canopy. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Time spent around loud traffic, using power tools, attending a sporting event or listening to loud music can all contribute to that daily dose. — Laura Coco, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

Step Back Water is becoming the latest soft power tool for Abu Dhabi. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above