Phrase guide

drill down

noun · verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

an internal competition used to practice marching commands, in which the last person caught improperly executing a command wins

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We knew someone had lost when the last two people in the drill down ended up facing each other.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To examine something on a more detailed level.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, literally

Examples

  • The issue can be drilled down to a simple yes or no.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To examine information at another level or in greater detail; especially in a database, to navigate to a more detailed level or record.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences, software

Examples

  • From the employee list, you can drill down to find addresses and pay history.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To replace data with more specific data.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences, software

Examples

  • Clicking here lets you replace the annual sales data with monthly data, drilling down to help you track revenue.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To practice maneuvers in order to memorize them; to drill thoroughly (to practice).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • We've drilled down on guarding players with his skillset.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To score points; to do well in a basketball game.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: ball-games, basketball, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • They drilled down three pointers throughout the second half.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.