1 B2 neutral
To remove something (such as a broken screw or rivet) by drilling around or through it.
"The mechanic had to drill out the snapped bolt before she could remove the panel."
separable
drill out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To remove material from something using a drill, or to enlarge or clear a hole using a drill.
In plain English
To use a drill to make a hole bigger or to remove something stuck inside a hole.
What does "drill out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To enlarge or clear a hole using a drill.
"You'll need to drill out that hole a bit more — the pipe won't fit through as it is."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a drill to remove material outward from a hole.
Actually means
To use a drill to make a hole bigger or to remove something stuck inside a hole.
Usage tip
Primarily used in DIY, engineering, and mechanical contexts. Common when removing a broken screw, enlarging a pilot hole, or clearing a blocked hole.
Words that pair with "drill out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
screw hole rivet bolt material metal
How to conjugate "drill out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drill out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drills out
he/she/it
Past simple
drilled out
yesterday
Past participle
drilled out
have + pp
-ing form
drilling out
continuous
Hear "drill out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "drill out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.