gimlet

1 of 4

noun (1)

gim·​let ˈgim-lət How to pronounce gimlet (audio)
Synonyms of gimletnext
: a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and cross handle for boring holes

Illustration of gimlet

Illustration of gimlet

gimlet

2 of 4

adjective

: having a piercing or penetrating quality

gimlet

3 of 4

verb

gimleted; gimleting; gimlets

transitive verb

: to pierce as if with a gimlet

gimlet

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a drink consisting of sweetened lime juice and gin or vodka and sometimes carbonated or plain water

Examples of gimlet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Day one we were presented with the most delicious blackberry gin gimlet. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 Parrish stood at the wheel, his gimlet eyes surveying the water beneath a threadbare Pink Floyd cap. — Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 The nostalgic comfort food is paired with tropical cocktails, from a lemongrass gimlet to an $8 shot-and-beer combo. — Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 3 Nov. 2025 Throughout, Dunne highlights the gimlet perspective that made Didion’s writing so distinctive. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gimlet

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French guimbelet, from Middle French (Picard), modification of Middle Dutch wimmelkijn, from wimmel wimble

Noun (2)

probably from gimlet entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gimlet was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing gimlet

Rhymes for gimlet

See All Rhymes for gimlet

Browse Nearby Words

gimel
gimlet
gimlet bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gimlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gimlet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gimlet

noun
gim·​let
ˈgim-lət
: a small tool with a screw point and cross handle for boring holes

More from Merriam-Webster on gimlet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gimlet

Nglish: Translation of gimlet for Spanish Speakers

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