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Definition of hammer

hammer

/ˈhæm.ər/
ham · mer

Plural:hammers
•
Past Simple:hammered
•
Past Participle:hammered
•
Present Participle:hammering
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hammer Lexical Profile

hammer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A hand tool consisting of a solid head set crosswise on a handle, used for pounding, driving nails, or shaping materials.

Example

"She used a heavy hammer to drive the iron nails into the wooden beam."


2

The part of a firearm mechanism that strikes the firing pin or percussion cap to discharge the weapon.

Example

"The detective noticed that the hammer of the revolver was pulled back, ready to fire."


3

A small bone in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the anvil; the malleus.

Example

"The hammer, anvil, and stirrup are the three tiny bones responsible for conducting sound in the human ear."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To strike or hit heavily and repeatedly, as if with a hammer.

Example

"The blacksmith continued to hammer the glowing steel until it formed a perfect blade."


2

To defeat overwhelmingly in a contest, competition, or battle.

Example

"The home team managed to hammer their rivals in the championship game, securing a historic victory."


3

To force a concept or idea into someone's mind through relentless repetition.

Example

"The instructor tried to hammer the safety protocols into the minds of the new recruits."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hammer

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hamor', deriving from Proto-Germanic '*hamaraz', originally referring to a tool with a stone head, related to Old Norse 'hamarr' meaning 'stone' or 'crag'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hammer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hammer
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