hand tool

noun

plural hand tools
: a small tool (such as a hammer or wrench) that is held in the hand and that usually does not have an engine or motor compare power tool

Examples of hand tool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Someone who uses a pickup for work may regularly carry hand tools, gloves, measuring equipment, and small replacement parts. — New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Eligible products include hand tools, paint items, tape, soap, all-purpose cleaner and batteries. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026 Over time, the company broadened its inventory from hand tools and light equipment to larger machinery through long-standing relationships with Bobcat Enterprises and Vermeer Heartland. — Jane Imbody, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2026 However, measures in place to limit the spread, such as regular handwashing and social distancing, are not followed at the artisanal mining sites, where work to extract gold is done by workers using basic hand tools like shovels and pans. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand tool

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand tool was in 1667

Rhymes for hand tool

See All Rhymes for hand tool

Browse Nearby Words

hand-to-mouth
hand tool
hand tooling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hand tool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand%20tool. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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