drilling

1 of 2

noun

dril·​ling ˈdri-liŋ How to pronounce drilling (audio)
Synonyms of drillingnext
: drill entry 6

drilling

2 of 2

present participle of drill entry 1, drill entry 5

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of German Drillich, from Middle High German drilich fabric woven with a threefold thread, from Old High German drilīh made up of three threads, from Latin trilic-, trilix, from tri- + licium thread

First Known Use

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drilling was in 1640

Phrases Containing drilling

Rhymes for drilling

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Browse Nearby Words

drill in
drilling
drilling cable
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Cite this Entry

“Drilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drilling. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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