An object that you use with your hands to help you do a particular job, such as cutting, hitting, or measuring.
It comes from Old English 'tōl', meaning 'instrument' or 'implement'. It is related to Old Norse 'tól', showing how ancient the idea of tools is in Germanic languages.
Tools are one of the main things that separate humans from most animals—we reshape the world with them. But now we also call apps and websites 'tools', showing that for us, anything that extends our abilities counts.
Tools and tool use have historically been coded as masculine, with women’s expertise in tools (from domestic implements to industrial equipment) often dismissed or rendered invisible. In slang, “tool” is sometimes used as an insult for men, reinforcing narrow stereotypes of masculinity and competence.
Avoid implying that tools or technical skills belong to one gender; describe access and training as open to all. When using “tool” as slang, be aware it can reinforce gendered insults and consider more precise language.
["instrument","implement","resource","application"]
Women engineers, mechanics, and craft workers have long designed, used, and improved tools, yet their contributions are frequently underdocumented in technical histories.
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