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Gavel: meaning, definitions and examples

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gavel

 

[ ˈɡav(ə)l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

courtroom

A small hammer used by a judge or officer in charge of a court, to signal for attention or order.

Synonyms

hammer, mace, mallet

Examples of usage

  • The judge banged the gavel to bring the courtroom to order.
  • The sound of the gavel striking the desk echoed through the courtroom.
Context #2 | Noun

auction

A small wooden hammer used by an auctioneer to signal the acceptance of a bid.

Synonyms

hammer, mace, mallet

Examples of usage

  • The auctioneer used the gavel to close the bidding on the painting.
  • The final bid was made just as the gavel fell.

Translations

Translations of the word "gavel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 martelo de juiz

🇮🇳 हथौड़ा

🇩🇪 Richterhammer

🇮🇩 palu hakim

🇺🇦 молоток судді

🇵🇱 młotek sędziowski

🇯🇵 判事の槌

🇫🇷 marteau de juge

🇪🇸 mazo de juez

🇹🇷 hakim tokmağı

🇰🇷 판사의 망치

🇸🇦 مطرقة القاضي

🇨🇿 soudcovské kladívko

🇸🇰 sudcovské kladivko

🇨🇳 法槌

🇸🇮 sodnikovo kladivo

🇮🇸 hamar dómara

🇰🇿 сот балғасы

🇬🇪 მოსამართლის ურო

🇦🇿 hakim çəkici

🇲🇽 mazo de juez

Etymology

The word 'gavel' originated from the Old English 'gafol,' meaning 'tribute' or 'rent.' Over time, it evolved to refer to a small hammer used for various purposes, including in courtrooms and auctions. The gavel has become a symbol of authority and order in legal and auction settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,657, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.