A model's ability to use outside tools (such as a search engine, a calculator, a database or running code) by writing a structured request that the surrounding software carries out and whose result the model reads. Each such request is a tool call.
See also
- AI agent
An AI system that works toward a goal by taking actions with tools (such as searching, running code or editing files) and choosing each next step based on the results.
- Model Context Protocol
An open standard for connecting AI applications to outside tools and data, so one integration works with any AI application that supports it.
- Computer use
The ability of an AI model to operate a computer the way a person does, by looking at the screen, moving the pointer, clicking and typing.
Cite this term.
CC BY 4.0, attribution required.
Orbyt Labs, Tool use (AI Glossary), Oct 18, 2026. https://www.orbytlabs.ai/orbyt-collective/glossary/tool-use
Orbyt Labs Glossaries (Oct 19, 2026), https://www.orbytlabs.ai/glossary#dataset
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