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Definition of awl

awl

/ɔːl/
awl

Plural:awls
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awl Lexical Profile

awl Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small pointed tool used for piercing small holes, especially in leather, wood, or heavy fabric.

Example

"The cobbler used a sharp awl to carefully punch holes in the thick leather strap before stitching it."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for awl

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused in spelling with its homophone 'all', though their meanings and parts of speech are completely unrelated.

• Rhymes for awl

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'æl', derived from Proto-Germanic '*ælo', denoting a piercing tool. It shares roots with Old High German 'āla' and Old Norse 'alr'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Awl. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 11, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/awl
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