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noun

jackhammer

JAK-ham

Jackhammer (noun) means a heavy power tool that pounds a chisel-like bit to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt. Example: “Workers used a jackhammer to break up the old pavement.”

noun
1
A heavy power tool that pounds a chisel-like bit to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt.
"Workers used a jackhammer to break up the old pavement."
verb
1
To break something up using a jackhammer, or to hit something repeatedly with jackhammer-like force.
"They jackhammered through the concrete slab all morning."
"Her heart was jackhammering in her chest before the interview."

How to use jackhammer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe loud pneumatic drill used to break up hard surfaces; also used to describe anything pounding hard and fast, like a racing heartbeat.

Common pairings
jackhammer noise heart jackhammering wield a jackhammer

Word forms

jackhammered past tense, jackhammers plural, jackhammers singular

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Workers used a _____ to break up the old pavement.

Etymology

Formed from jack + hammer.

air hammer pneumatic hammer

Rhymes for jackhammer

See all rhymes for jackhammer →

Frequently asked questions

What does “jackhammer” mean?

The word “jackhammer” means a heavy power tool that pounds a chisel-like bit to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt. In plain terms, the loud pneumatic drill used to break up hard surfaces; also used to describe anything pounding hard and fast, like a racing heartbeat.

How do you pronounce “jackhammer”?

“Jackhammer” is pronounced JAK-ham (/ˈd͡ʒækˌhæmɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “jackhammer” in a sentence?

Here is “jackhammer” used in a sentence: “Workers used a jackhammer to break up the old pavement.”

What part of speech is “jackhammer”?

Depending on how it is used, “jackhammer” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “jackhammer” have?

“Jackhammer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy power tool that pounds a chisel-like bit to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt.

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