Etymology

Noun

1. A carpenter's tool for boring holes larger than those bored by a gimlet.
   • 1996, Janette Turner Hospital, Oyster, Virago Press, paperback edition, page 231

     Pete Burnett needs a fan belt for his auger.

2. A snake or plumber's snake .
3. A tool used to bore holes in the ground, e.g. for fence posts
4. A hollow drill used to take core samples of soil, ice, etc. for scientific study.