Etymology Map
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Drill

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means a tool for boring holes; repetitive practice

Where does the word "drill" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch drillen, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
drillen
Middle Dutch · medieval
"to bore, to turn"
related to Dutch 'drillen', to turn or whirl
2
Stage 2 of 2
drill
English · 1610s
"to bore; to train soldiers"
Dutch military manuals also gave the sense of repetitive training
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Read the full story

Drill’s story begins in Middle Dutch: drillen meant “to bore, to turn.” Related to Dutch 'drillen', to turn or whirl. It reached English by 1610s as drill. Dutch military manuals also gave the sense of repetitive training. Today, drill means a tool for boring holes; repetitive practice.