: a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood)
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Examples of awl in a Sentence
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Archaeological evidence from the dating sites reveals a boom in the use of caves and tailored clothing, indicated by bone needles and awls.—New Atlas, 10 May 2025 Each model is finely outfitted with various tools, from a sewing awl to a Philips screwdriver.—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 Meanwhile, thinner neurons that conduct signals at lower speeds target awl and zigzag hairs.—Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025 Using a sharp awl, make a 2 cm long incision in the widest part of the tail.—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for awl
Word History
Etymology
Middle English al, from Old English æl; akin to Old High German āla awl, Sanskrit ārā
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of awl was
before the 12th century
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