toolkit

toolkit — noun

1. a container, such as a bag or box, that holds a collection of tools for doing re

1.nounB1
Definition

a container, such as a bag or box, that holds a collection of tools for doing repairs, building things, or craft work

Example

Rafael grabbed his toolkit from under the sink to fix the dripping pipe.

Hassan's parents bought him a toolkit for his woodworking class at school.

collocation: buy + toolkit + for + [purpose/class]

Synonyms
  • toolbox

    more specific — implies a rigid box; 'toolkit' can be a bag or case

  • tool set

    focuses on the collection itself rather than the container

  • tool bag

    soft-sided container for tools; a type of toolkit

Grammar Patterns

a toolkit

toolkit + of + noun

Usage Note

Unlike 'tool', which refers to a single item, 'toolkit' always describes a complete set kept together in a bag or box.

Common Mistakes

I need a toolkit to hammer this nail.
I need a hammer (or a tool) to hammer this nail.
'toolkit' refers to a collection of tools, not a single item.

Word family

  • tool
    nounA2
  • tooled
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All of these words describe a collection of tools kept together, but they differ in container type and scope. 'Toolkit' is the most general term — it can refer to any organised collection, whether in a box, bag, or case. 'Toolbox' specifically suggests a rigid container with compartments, commonly made of plastic or metal. 'Tool bag' is soft-sided, often made of canvas or nylon, and easier to carry. 'Tool set' emphasises the items themselves rather than the container — you might buy a '40-piece tool set' even if it comes in a plastic case you'd also call a toolbox. 'Tool chest' is a large, often wheeled cabinet used by professionals. In everyday speech, toolkit and toolbox are used almost interchangeably, though toolkit sounds slightly broader.

toolbox ↗tool settool bagtool chest

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a basic toolkit
  • a complete toolkit
  • a portable toolkit
  • a comprehensive toolkit

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle DutchEnglish

A compound word formed from 'tool' (from Old English 'tōl', meaning an instrument or implement) and 'kit' (origin uncertain, probably from Middle Dutch 'kitte', a wooden container for holding a set of items). The word first appeared in English in the mid-20th century, combining the idea of a collection of tools with a container to hold them.