rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhammerStriking tool and action
noun / verb

hammer

HAM-ur/ˈhæmər/

A tool used to deliver forceful repeated blows.

The hammer has a steel striking head and curved claw on a wooden handle.

An isolated, recognizable claw hammer with a substantial steel striking head and a wooden handle, shown diagonally so its flat striking face and curved claw are clearly visible.
Etymology
hammerOld Englishhammer

Old English hamor already named the striking tool. A related Old Norse word meaning “stone, crag” suggests that the name may originally have referred to a tool with a stone head.

In context

Columbia GSAPP71:31
hammer can be used for an infinite number of things, not just hammering a nail.
Ronald Rael

More examples

  • He hammers the bent metal flat.
  • The home team hammered its rivals in the final.
  • Critics hammered the proposal for its high cost.
  • Inside the piano, a hammer strikes a string.

Forms

hammer · hammers · hammered · hammering

Similar words

mallet
Usually has a broad wooden or rubber head for gentler blows.
pound
Emphasizes repeated heavy blows, often without using a tool.
strike
Can describe a single blow rather than repeated blows.