NYT Dictionary

DRILL

/dɹɪl/
VerbNounDRILGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

To create (a hole) by removing material with a drill (tool).

Etymology

Origin: Dutch

From Middle Dutch drillen (“bore, move in a circle”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

excavateboregougeplowpokerootshaftFormal termsbedcoit

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 11 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.