toolmaking

noun

tool·​mak·​ing ˈtül-ˌmā-kiŋ How to pronounce toolmaking (audio)
: the action, process, or art of making tools
also : the trade of a toolmaker

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Now that their advanced toolmaking abilities are so well-documented, the traditional theory that the Neanderthals disappeared due to our own species’ technological superiority doesn’t stand up to much scrutiny. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2023 That said, whether the language of the Neanderthal was necessary to make and manipulate these tools or not, studies do demonstrate a shared neurological basis for toolmaking and speech. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2023 Potts stresses that Africa was dynamic place during the long era of human evolution, and adaptability—like that afforded by stone toolmaking—was key to survival. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Feb. 2023 Researchers previously thought that early humans migrated from Europe or Africa around 30,000 years ago and brought advanced toolmaking with them. Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2018 And a more complex toolmaking style, known as the Levallois technique, emerged in Africa and Europe around 300,000 years ago. Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2018 Nearly the size of Ireland, it was colonized 34,000 years ago by people with sophisticated toolmaking skills who came across a land bridge from Australia. Michael Balter, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2012 On the mainland, archaeologists researching Paleoindians often search for cave shelters and debris from stone toolmaking. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2021 Their visit to the site was evidently brief and purposeful, however; there are no traces of habitation, toolmaking or any other activities. Jennifer Raff, Scientific American, 1 May 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'toolmaking.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toolmaking was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near toolmaking

Cite this Entry

“Toolmaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toolmaking. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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