toolmaking

noun

tool·​mak·​ing ˈtül-ˌmā-kiŋ 

: 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

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Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above