noun
gavel
GA-vuhl
Gavel (noun) means a small ceremonial mallet used by a judge, chairperson, or auctioneer to call for order or to confirm a decision. Example: “The judge banged the gavel and called the courtroom to order.”
noun
1
A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge, chairperson, or auctioneer to call for order or to confirm a decision.
"The judge banged the gavel and called the courtroom to order."
"The auctioneer's gavel came down, and the painting was sold."
verb
1
To use a gavel, or to formally open or close a session by striking one.
"The chairman gaveled the meeting to a close."
How to use gavel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe small wooden hammer a judge or auctioneer bangs to get attention or confirm a decision.
Common pairings
bang the gavel
the gavel came down
gavel the meeting to order
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Word forms
- Plural
- gavels
- Third person singular
- gavels
- Past tense
- gaveled, gavelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge banged the _____ and called the courtroom to order.
Etymology
Traced to Old English gafol, originally meaning tribute or payment, later shifting to describe the small mallet used to mark formal proceedings.
Rhymes for gavel
See all rhymes for gavel →Frequently asked questions
What does “gavel” mean?
The word “gavel” means a small ceremonial mallet used by a judge, chairperson, or auctioneer to call for order or to confirm a decision. In plain terms, the small wooden hammer a judge or auctioneer bangs to get attention or confirm a decision.
How do you pronounce “gavel”?
“Gavel” is pronounced GA-vuhl (/ˈɡæ.vəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gavel” in a sentence?
Here is “gavel” used in a sentence: “The judge banged the gavel and called the courtroom to order.”
What part of speech is “gavel”?
Depending on how it is used, “gavel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gavel” come from?
The word “gavel” comes from Old English. Traced to Old English gafol, originally meaning tribute or payment, later shifting to describe the small mallet used to mark formal proceedings.
How many meanings does “gavel” have?
“Gavel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small ceremonial mallet used by a judge, chairperson, or auctioneer to call for order or to confirm a decision.
