Gimlet

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɡɪm.lÉ™t/

Origin

The name "gimlet" comes from the Old French guinbelet, guimbelet, later guibelet, probably a diminutive of the Anglo-French "wimble", a variation of "guimble", from the Middle Low German wiemel, compare the Scandinavian wammie, to bore or twist; the modern French is gibelet.

Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd. Edition, (1989)

Full definition of gimlet

Noun

1. A small screw-tipped tool for boring holes.
• Swift Gulliver|II|IIThe box was close on every side, with a little door for me to go in and out, and a few gimlet holes to let in air.
2. A cocktail, usually made with gin and lime juice.
• 2001, General Hospital (TV soap opera, August 28)Yeah, a piece of advice — once you’re back in circulation, don’t keep topping off a lady’s vodka gimlet when she’s not looking.

Derived terms

• gimlet-eyed
• gimlety

Verb

1. To pierce or bore holes (as if using a gimlet).