Phrase guide

tool and die

noun · 2 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

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An area of activity (concentration or specialty) in manufacturing, comprising toolmaking, diemaking, and (usually also) moldmaking.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: attributive, uncountable, usually

Examples

  • The toolmakers are employed in tool and die shops.
  • They work in tool and die.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The tools and dies made by this specialty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: sometimes, uncountable, usually

Examples

  • Wage rates for tool and die makers differ in various regions of the country.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Named for the cutting tools and forming dies that are among the principal kinds of tooling that this specialty makes.