1 C1 idiomatic informal
To drive around casually or aimlessly, typically for pleasure.
"On Sunday afternoons, he liked to tool around the countryside on his motorcycle."
inseparable
tool around
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To travel around in a casual or leisurely manner, especially by vehicle; also to spend time doing something in an aimless or experimental way.
In plain English
To drive or move around without a particular plan, just for fun.
What does "tool around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To spend time experimenting with or casually playing with something.
"He was just tooling around on his laptop when he accidentally discovered a bug in the software."
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily North American informal English. Often used to describe aimless but enjoyable driving. Also used figuratively for tinkering or experimenting casually with something (e.g. tooling around on a guitar). Carries a relaxed, unhurried connotation.
Words that pair with "tool around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car motorcycle town countryside garage computer
How to conjugate "tool around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tool around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tools around
he/she/it
Past simple
tooled around
yesterday
Past participle
tooled around
have + pp
-ing form
tooling around
continuous
Hear "tool around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tool around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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