Phrase guide

pilot hole

noun · 1 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

A narrow hole drilled or punched into a surface, to facilitate the insertion of a wider screw, nail, drill bit, or other boring tool.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1970, Andy Lang, "Right Nail Hits the Spot," St Petersburg Times, 25 Oct., p. 5-G (retrieved 7 Dec. 2008), Nothing prevents splitting the wood as much as first driving a pilot hole, especially for hard wood.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.