machine tool

NOUN

precision tool

Synonyms

WEAK

borer broaching machine drill facing machine grinder lathe mill planer press drill saw shaper tapping machine threading machine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, Sciortino cites the impressive number of workers who can operate CNC machines - a type of computer-controlled machine tool which can cut, carve, or shape materials including wood, metal, or plastic.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

"Regional pockets and certain sectors have been hit harder," such as tourism and machine tool manufacturing, he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Manufacturers report persistent shortages of machine tool operators and technicians who can repair complex new equipment, skills that take time and training to learn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

The staff grew to seventeen, including what the writer Robert Marks later described as “Polish sheet metal experts, Italian machine tool men, Scandinavian woodcraftsmen, and former Rolls-Royce coach makers.”

From Slate • Aug. 2, 2022

The lathe is the oldest of machine tools and exists in a greater variety of forms than any other machine tool.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua