: 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 WebMake cuts with an awl or another pointed tool, then insert the stems.—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2023 When driving screws horizontally, try the dagger grip, a common hand hold used on screwdrivers, chisels, awls, and nut drivers.—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 29 June 2023 Northern China had blade tools from 40,000 years ago, bone awls from 35,000 years ago and eyed needles from 30,000 years ago.—Ian Gilligan, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023 Use an awl, a Sharpie pen or a small triangular file to make a mark in the center of the vise’s jaws.—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 26 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for awl
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'awl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of awl was
before the 12th century
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