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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- jackhammers
- Third person singular
- jackhammers
- Past tense
- jackhammered
Fill the gap
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Workers used a _____ to break up the old pavement.
Etymology
Formed from jack + hammer.
Synonyms
View more →
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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