12 lessons · 120 meanings
English manufacturing and tools vocabulary
Learn the names of tools, materials and workshop parts, then connect them with actions such as building, fixing and checking equipment. The factory lesson also introduces words used when talking about workplace routines.
Pair an object from a tools or materials set with an action from a workshop set. Read each definition carefully: the cards teach one meaning at a time, including words that have other uses outside a workshop.
Words to start with
Read a meaning and an example, then open its lesson for the rest of the words.
machine
A2noun · /məˈʃiːn/
A piece of equipment that uses power to do a job.
“Turn off the machine before you clean it.”
View set: On the factory floor →wood
A2noun · /wʊd/
the hard natural material that comes from trees
“The chair is made of wood.”
View set: Everyday materials →nail
B1noun · /neɪl/
a small metal fastener with a sharp point
“He hammered the nail into the board.”
View set: Workshop parts →build
A1verb · /bɪld/
to make something by putting parts together
“We build the small shelf from wooden pieces.”
View set: Building and fixing →produce
A2verb · /prəˈduːs/
to make something for people to use or buy
“The small workshop can produce wooden toys.”
View set: Factory actions →construction
B2noun · /kənˈstrʌkʃən/
the work of building something
“Road construction will begin next month.”
View set: Building structures →
Lessons in this topic
Open a set to see its words, pictures, definitions and three examples per card. Practise without an account, or sign in for free to save your progress.
On the factory floor
Get to know the tools, equipment, and routines of a safe workplace.
Words include: machine, tool, helmet, inspection, shift…
A1A2B1B210 wordsEveryday materials
Ten everyday material words for describing what objects and buildings are made from.
Words include: wood, metal, plastic, rubber, cotton…
A2B1B210 wordsWorkshop parts
Workshop parts and fasteners used to join, support, and move things in a workshop.
Words include: nail, screw, pin, wire, pipe…
B1B2C110 wordsBuilding and fixing
Practical workshop and assembly actions for everyday objects.
Words include: build, fix, connect, attach, tie…
A1A2B1C110 wordsFactory actions
Actions for making goods and looking after factory equipment.
Words include: produce, manufacture, operate, inspect, test…
A1A2B1B2C110 wordsBuilding structures
Words for construction, building parts and materials.
Words include: construction, architecture, foundation, structure, layer…
A2B1B210 wordsHandling and arranging materials
Practical actions for joining, covering and sorting materials.
Words include: press, pin, stick, wrap, tear…
B1B210 wordsMaking and shaping objects
Verbs for creating and shaping things by hand.
Words include: make, form, construct, assemble, shape…
A1B1B2C110 wordsChanging condition and strength
Verbs for changing design, quality and physical strength.
Words include: change, alter, modify, adapt, enhance…
A1B2C110 wordsPositioning and ordering objects
Verbs for putting objects in useful positions and groups.
Words include: put, place, lay, position, set…
A1B1B2C110 wordsShape and condition of objects
Adjectives for the shape, condition and physical behavior of objects.
Words include: bent, curved, folding, fixed, loose…
B1B2C110 wordsMaterials and technical properties
Adjectives for materials and useful physical properties.
Words include: plastic, wooden, rubber, gold, silver…
A2B1B2C110 words