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noun

hammerhead

Hammerhead (noun) means a shark with a flattened, hammer-shaped head and eyes set at the outer edges. Example: “Divers spotted a hammerhead shark cruising just below the boat.”

noun
1
A shark with a flattened, hammer-shaped head and eyes set at the outer edges.
"Divers spotted a hammerhead shark cruising just below the boat."
2
The heavy metal striking part of a hammer.
"The hammerhead had worked loose from its wooden handle."

How to use hammerhead

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually refers to the hammer-headed shark, or literally the metal head of a hammer.

Word forms

hammerheads plural

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Divers spotted a _____ shark cruising just below the boat.

Etymology

A compound of hammer and head, first used for the shark because of its distinctive flattened, T-shaped skull.

Related words

Rhymes for hammerhead

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hammerhead” mean?

The word “hammerhead” means a shark with a flattened, hammer-shaped head and eyes set at the outer edges. In plain terms, usually refers to the hammer-headed shark, or literally the metal head of a hammer.

How do you use “hammerhead” in a sentence?

Here is “hammerhead” used in a sentence: “Divers spotted a hammerhead shark cruising just below the boat.”

What part of speech is “hammerhead”?

“Hammerhead” is a noun.

How many meanings does “hammerhead” have?

“Hammerhead” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shark with a flattened, hammer-shaped head and eyes set at the outer edges.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial