Quick answer
Gimlet means a small boring tool; also something piercingly sharp, as in a gimlet eye. It is usually pronounced GIM-lit, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Gimlet
Gimlet describes someone or something that is a small boring tool; also something piercingly sharp, as in a gimlet eye. It belongs to dramatic and overblown words and works best in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
dramaticoverblowntheatrical
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is gimlet, it is a small boring tool; also something piercingly sharp, as in a gimlet eye. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Gimlet feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Gimlet is generally traced to from Old French guimbelet, related to boring tools. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Gimlet is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively gimlet.
- One gimlet remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a gimlet uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His gimlet tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is gimlet.
When should you use this word?
Use gimlet when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish.
Similar words
apparition, brooding, calling-card, chaperonage, doldrums
Opposite or contrasting words
restraint, understatement, plain language
Common questions
- What does gimlet mean? A small boring tool; also something piercingly sharp, as in a gimlet eye.
- How do you pronounce gimlet? It is commonly pronounced GIM-lit.
- Is gimlet still used today? Gimlet is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use gimlet? Use gimlet when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish.
- What words are similar to gimlet? Similar words include apparition, brooding, calling-card, and chaperonage.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.