Tools, Machines & Construction

Tools, machines, building, repairs, and engineered structures.

331 words

Download Markdown

Some words in this topic are A2–C2 — part of Pro. A1 words are always free.

Go Pro

A1 (8)

/sɑ/ To cut something using a saw. M S

/stɑɹt/ To begin doing something. M S

/kʌt/ A reduction in the amount, number, or size of something. M S

/plæn/ A set of decisions about what you are going to do and how to do it. M S

/ˈbɪl.dɪŋ/ A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or office M S

/wɔl/ A solid upright structure that forms a side of a room or building, or divides one space from another. M S

/məˈʃiːn/ A device with moving parts that uses power to do a particular job. M S

/bɪld/ To make something by joining materials and parts together M S

A2 (24) Pro

/ˈkɪʊ̯/ To make a person, animal, or plant die. M S

/dɛd/ No longer alive. M S

/kənˈtɹoʊl/ The power to direct, manage, or make decisions about something. M S

/ˈɪnd͡ʒɪn/ A machine that turns fuel or power into movement, used to drive vehicles and other machines. M S

/ˈnɐɪ̯f/ A tool with a sharp blade and a handle, used for cutting. M S

/bɹɪd͡ʒ/ A structure built over a river, road, or gap so that people can cross it. M S

/skɹuː/ A small metal pin with a spiral thread, turned to fasten things together. M S

/ɹuːf/ The covering on top of a building that protects it from rain and weather. M S

/ˈkæsəl/ A large strong building with thick walls, built in the past to defend against attack. M S

/ˈfæk.tɚ.i/ A building where goods are made, usually using machines. M S

[ˈtɑːə] A tall, narrow structure, either standing alone or part of a building. M S

/wil/ A round object that turns on its centre, used to move a vehicle or machine. M S

/ˈɛləˌveɪtɚ/ A machine that carries people or goods up and down between the floors of a building. M S

/tjuːn/ A series of musical notes that make a pleasant pattern; a melody. M S

/fɹeɪm/ A border that surrounds and holds a picture, photo, or mirror. M S

/ˌɛnd͡ʒɪˈnɪ(ə)ɹ/ A person whose job is to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, or systems. M S

[ɹɪˈmoʊt] Far away from towns, people, or other places; isolated. M S

/ˈstɹʌkt͡ʃɚ/ The way the parts of something are arranged or organised. M S

/tuːl/ A device you hold and use to do a particular job. M S

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ An object used to make music, such as a piano or guitar. M S

/bɹeɪk/ A device that slows down or stops a wheel or vehicle. M S

/ˈsuː.ɚ/ an underground pipe or channel that carries away sewage or surface water, or a system of such pipes and channels M S

architecture A2

/ˈɑɹ.kɪˌtɛk.t͡ʃɚ/ The art and practice of designing buildings. M S

washing machine A2

B1 (30) Pro

/ˈplænɪŋ/ The act of deciding in advance how something will be done. M S

/hɔɹn/ A hard pointed growth on the head of some animals, such as cows or goats. M S

/swɪt͡ʃ/ A small device you press or move to turn electricity or a machine on and off. M S

/ˈɡʌv(ə)nə(ɹ)/ The person in charge of running a state or region, especially in the United States. M S

/ɪˈkwɪp.mənt/ The tools, machines, or items needed for a particular activity. M S

/dɪˈvaɪs/ A piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially an electronic or mechanical one. M S

construction B1

/kənˈstɹʌkʃən/ The act or process of building something. M S

/neɪl/ The hard, thin covering at the end of a finger or toe. M S

/ˈhæm.ɚ/ A tool with a heavy metal head and a handle, used for hitting nails. M S

/fəˈsɪlɪti/ A building or place provided for a particular purpose or service. M S

/ˈmoʊtəɹ/ A machine that uses electricity or fuel to produce movement and power something. M S

/ˌfæʊ̯nˈdeɪ̯ʃən/ The solid structure built underground that supports a building. M S

/ˈniːdəl/ A thin, pointed metal tool used for sewing, with a hole at one end for thread. M S

/ˈmoʊtɚˌsaɪkəl/ A two-wheeled vehicle with an engine and handlebars instead of a steering wheel. M S

/ˌɛn.d͡ʒɪˈnɪ(ə)ɹ.ɪŋ/ The work of using science and maths to design and build machines, structures, and systems. M S

/plʌɡ/ The object with metal pins at the end of an electrical wire that you put into a socket. M S

/ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns/ The work of keeping a machine, building, or system in good condition. M S

/məˈkænəkəl/ Operated by or relating to machines or tools. M S

/ˈmɑnjʊmənt/ A structure built to remember a person or event. M S

/ˈbɝː.nɚ/ a device or part of a device in which fuel burns to produce heat M S

/ˈhitɚ/ A machine that produces heat to warm a room, building, or water. M S

/əˈtæt͡ʃmənt/ A file sent together with an email or message. M S

/bəˈnɑːkjəlɝz/ an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes M S

/ˈlaʊdspiːkɚ/ A device that turns an electrical signal into sound loud enough to be heard at a distance. M S

See all 30

B2 (55) Pro

[ˈsypɑ] Excellent; very good. M S

/ˈɡiə/ The equipment, clothing, or tools needed for a particular activity. M S

/bleɪd/ The flat, sharp cutting part of a knife, sword, or tool. M S

/kɹeɪn/ a tall machine with a projecting arm, used to lift and move heavy objects M S

/biːm/ A long, thick piece of wood or metal used to support a building or structure. M S

/ˈɑpəˌɹeɪtɚ/ A person who controls a machine or piece of equipment. M S

/mɪl/ A building or factory where grain is crushed into flour, or where materials like cloth or paper are made. M S

superintendent B2

/ˌsjuːpəɹɪnˈtɛndənt/ A person who is in charge of supervising, directing, or managing something. M S

/d͡ʒɔ/ The lower part of the face that holds the teeth and moves when you talk or eat. M S

/ˈfɔː(ɹ).mən/ A person in charge of a group of workers, especially in a factory or on a building site. M S

/hoʊz/ a long flexible tube used to carry water, gas, or another fluid M S

/ˈɹoʊ.lɚ/ a cylindrical object or part that turns, especially one used to move, flatten, press, or apply something M S

/pɹoʊb/ A careful investigation into something, especially something wrong. M S

/ˈplʌm.ɚ/ A person whose job is to fit and repair water pipes, taps, and similar equipment. M S

/ˈtʃɪmni/ A vertical pipe or structure that carries smoke from a fire up and out of a building. M S

/ˈkʌtɚ/ a tool or machine used for cutting a particular material M S

/ˈlɛv.ɚ/ a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point and is used to lift or move something M S

/ˈskɹuˌdɹaɪvɚ/ a hand or power tool shaped to engage a screw head so that the screw can be tightened or loosened M S

/ˈaʊtpʊt/ The amount of something produced by a person, machine, or factory. M S

/ˈhɑːpər/ a funnel-shaped container through which loose material is stored or fed into a machine M S

/ˈɪmpləmənt/ To put a plan, decision, or system into action. M S

installation B2

/ˌɪnstəˈleɪʃən/ The act of putting a piece of equipment or software in place so it is ready to use. M S

/ˈkliːvɚ/ a heavy knife with a broad, usually rectangular blade, used especially for chopping meat and bones M S

/ˈsɑkɪt/ a hollow or receptacle into which a matching part fits M S

See all 55

C1 (37) Pro

/ˈdʒɪm.i/ a short crowbar used for forcing open a door, window, or lock M S

/ˈmik.ə.nɪ.zəm/ A part of a machine or a set of moving parts that does a particular job. M S

/stʌd/ a small projecting fastener or ornament, usually made of metal M S

/ɡæd͡ʒ.ɪt/ A small, often clever device or tool that does a particular job. M S

/ˈtɪmbɚ/ Wood prepared for building or making things. M S

/wɛdʒ/ a tapered piece used for splitting, tightening, lifting, or securing something M S

/ɖᵻˈmɔ.lɪ.ʃən/ The act of deliberately destroying a building or other structure M S

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/ A complex machine or set of equipment built for a particular job. M S

/pəˈvɪl.jən/ a light, often open-sided roofed structure used for shelter or recreation in a park, garden, or public place M S

/əˈkuː.stɪk/ (of a musical instrument) producing sound naturally, without electrical amplification. M S

architectural C1

/ˌɑɹkɪˈtɛkt͡ʃəɹəl/ Relating to the design and construction of buildings. M S

/ˈrætʃ.ɪt/ a toothed wheel or bar with a pawl that permits motion in one direction while preventing motion in the other M S

/moʊt/ a deep, wide defensive ditch, often filled with water, around a castle or fortified place M S

/ˈsaɪlənˌsɝ/ British: a device in a vehicle exhaust system that reduces engine noise M S

/əˈplaɪ.əns/ A machine or device used in the home, such as a fridge or washing machine. M S

/ˈmeɪn.dʒɚ/ an open box or trough in a stable from which horses, cattle, or other animals feed M S

temperamental C1

/ˌtɛmp(ə)ɹəˈmɛntl̩/ Having moods that change suddenly and unpredictably. M S

/ˈnɑː.zəl/ a projecting tube or spout that directs or controls a stream of liquid, gas, or other material M S

/ˈænvəl/ a heavy iron or steel block on which metal is shaped by hammering M S

/ˈlæs.oʊ/ a long rope with a sliding loop used especially to catch cattle or horses M S

/ʃiθ/ a protective covering for a knife or sword M S

/ˈækwəˌdʌkt/ an artificial channel or conduit built to carry water from one place to another M S

/ˈfɪks.t͡ʃɚ/ A piece of equipment fixed in place in a building, such as a sink or light, that is sold with the house. M S

accumulation C1

/əˌkjuːm.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ The process of gradually gathering or building up over time. M S

See all 37

C2 (134) Pro

/tɹɛnt͡ʃ/ a long, narrow ditch dug in the ground M S

/ˈdɛrɪk/ a crane with a movable boom, especially one used aboard a ship or at a construction site M S

/speɪ̯d/ a digging tool with a flat blade and a handle M S

/ˈbuːi/ a Bowie knife: a large, heavy, single-edged sheath knife with a clipped point M S

/ˈbæɹoʊ/ a small handcart used for carrying loads M S

/huːp/ a rigid circular or curved band of metal, wood, or another material, used for holding, fastening, hanging, or forming a framework M S

/məˈʃɛ.ti/ a large heavy knife used for cutting vegetation or as a weapon M S

/ˈɑːrmɝi/ A building where weapons and military equipment are stored. M S

/kənˈtræpʃən/ A strange or overly complicated machine or device. M S

/drɛdʒ/ to remove mud, sand, or other material from the bottom of a body of water with a dredge M S

/wɪɹ/ a low dam built across a stream or river to raise the water level, regulate it, or divert its flow M S

/ˈsɪkəl/ a short-handled agricultural tool with a curved blade, used for cutting grain or grass M S

/ˈæk.səl/ a shaft or pin on which a wheel or other rotating part turns M S

/hɑːrˈpuːn/ a heavy spear with a barbed head, usually attached to a line, thrown or fired to catch whales and other large aquatic animals M S

/ˈpɛɹɪskəʊp/ an optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field M S

/ˈlɪɡ.ə.tʃɚ/ a cord, band, or other fastening used to bind things together M S

/ˈbloʊˌtɔɹtʃ/ a portable burner that produces a very hot, concentrated flame by mixing fuel gas with air or oxygen M S

sledgehammer C2

/ˈslɛd͡ʒhæmɚ/ a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for powerful blows in demolition or construction M S

/ɡəˈziːboʊ/ a small roofed building affording shade and rest M S

/ˈmɛɡəˌfoʊn/ a cone-shaped acoustic device held to the mouth to intensify and direct the human voice M S

/ˈɡɑrɡɔɪl/ a grotesquely carved waterspout that carries rainwater away from a building M S

/sluːs/ an artificial channel or gate that controls a rapid flow of water M S

/sɪv/ a utensil with a mesh or perforated bottom used to separate fine particles from coarse ones M S

/ˈsmɪði/ a workshop where a smith heats, shapes, and repairs metal; a forge M S

See all 134

C2+ (43) Pro

/ˈɹɪvət/ a metal pin fastened by hammering one end flat M S

/ˈrætˌtræp/ a trap designed to catch or kill rats, typically by snapping shut M S

/ˌvɑː.məˈtɔːr.i.əm/ architecture: a passage or entrance through or behind tiers of seats in a theater, amphitheater, or stadium, designed to let crowds enter or leave rapidly M S

/ˈtɝnˌskru/ a screwdriver or similar device for turning screws; now chiefly dated M S

/ʌnˈkɑk/ to lower or release the cock or hammer of a firearm from the firing position M S

/dænˈsɛt/ architecture: a molding or group of moldings arranged in a zigzag or chevron pattern M S

jerry-builder C2+

/ˈd͡ʒɛɹiˌbɪldɚ/ a builder who puts up cheap, poorly made buildings, often quickly and for speculative profit M S

/ʌnˈruːf/ to remove or tear the roof from a building or other covered structure M S

/ˈθaɪbəl/ Northern English and Scots: a stick used for stirring porridge or other food M S

/ˈsɔːˌbleɪd/ the toothed cutting blade of a hand saw or powered sawing machine M S

/ˈboʊltˌhɛd/ the enlarged head of a bolt, shaped to be turned or to hold the bolt in place M S

/ˈtʃɑpɚ/ a helicopter, or a tool for chopping M S

reconstruct C2+

/ˌrikənˈstrʌkt/ to build again or to piece together how something happened M S

crystalline C2+

/ˈkrɪstəlɪn/ having the structure or clarity of crystal; transparent M S

/ˈstɝdi/ strongly and solidly built; robust M S

/ˈbærək/ a building housing soldiers; also to jeer or to shout support M S

/ˈɪntrɪkət/ very complicated or detailed in structure or arrangement M S

/skɪˈmætɪk/ represented in a simplified diagram showing structure or workings M S

/ʃæk/ a roughly built hut or cabin M S

/ˈɪnˌbɪlt/ existing as an integral, built-in part of something M S

/rɪɡ/ to manipulate dishonestly, or to assemble equipment and apparatus M S

underframework C2+

/ˈʌndərˌfreɪmwɜrk/ an underlying supporting framework or structure M S

violoncello C2+

/ˌviːələnˈtʃɛloʊ/ the full formal name for the cello, a bowed string instrument M S

/ˈɑrtʃˌweɪ/ a curved structure forming a passage or entrance beneath an arch M S

See all 43

More topics

Grammar & Function Words 395 words

Small words that connect, point, compare, negate, and structure sentences.

Numbers & Quantity 534 words

Counting, amounts, proportions, and the language of how much.

Space, Position & Direction 1546 words

Where things are, how they are arranged, and which way they face.

Hours, dates, seasons, frequency, and the words for when things happen.

People & Society 1633 words

People, roles, communities, identity, and social life.

Family & Relationships 244 words

Parents, siblings, partners, friends, and the wider web of kin.