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Gavel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gavel

[ˈɡav(ə)l ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gavel

Can also refer to a small ceremonial hammer used by a chairman or other official in formal meetings or auctions.

  • The auctioneer's gavel fell, and the item was sold.
  • She tapped the gavel to gain everyone's attention.
hammer

Used in a wide range of situations, primarily for driving nails or breaking objects in construction and DIY projects.

  • He used a hammer to hang the picture frame.
  • The worker hammered the nail into the wood.
mallet

A type of hammer with a large, usually wooden head, often used in woodworking or playing musical instruments like a xylophone.

  • The carpenter used a mallet to join the wooden pieces.
  • She struck the xylophone keys with a mallet.
mace

Refers to a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority, often in legislative or academic settings. Can also mean a weapon from the medieval period.

  • The university provost carried the mace during the graduation ceremony.
  • Historical reenactors displayed a replica of a medieval mace.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gavel

Used in judicial settings or during formal meetings to call for attention or signal the start or end of proceedings.

  • The judge raised her gavel to silence the courtroom
  • The chairman brought the meeting to order with a firm strike of the gavel
hammer

Commonly used in construction, carpentry, or for DIY tasks to drive nails into materials or to break objects.

  • He used a hammer to drive nails into the wooden board
  • She grabbed a hammer to fix the loose shelf
mallet

Used in woodworking, sports like croquet, or to hit softer materials without causing damage. It has a larger, often wooden head compared to a hammer.

  • The carpenter used a wooden mallet to carve intricate designs
  • He swung the mallet with precision during the croquet match
mace

Historically used as a weapon, and in modern times, it's often a ceremonial staff used in parades or official events to symbolize authority.

  • The guard carried a ceremonial mace during the parade
  • In medieval times, knights often used a heavy mace in battle

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The use of a hammer in court dates back to at least the 16th century, symbolizing authority and order.
  • In Roman times, a similar tool was used by magistrates to maintain control during public discussions.
  • In medieval England, a gavel was used in various other assemblies, showing how governance involved formal rituals.

Pop Culture

  • Gavels have appeared in numerous movies and television shows as a symbol of justice and decision-making.
  • Famous courtroom dramas often dramatize the gavel's bang to signal key moments, heightening emotional tension.
  • In some sports, referees use a similar object to signify decisions, drawing parallels between sports and law.

Psychology

  • The sound of a gavel can invoke feelings of authority and order, influencing audience behavior in courtrooms.
  • Research suggests that certain sounds, like a gavel's bang, can have a psychological effect on decision-making processes.
  • In group settings, using a gavel can enhance perceived leadership power and improve meeting dynamics.

Art

  • Artists have depicted gavels as symbols of law and order in various paintings and sculptures throughout history.
  • Gavels are often stylized in courtroom scenes in theater, reflecting drama and the weight of justice.
  • In modern art, some pieces use gavels to critique legal systems, showing how tools like this can carry deep cultural significance.

Origin of 'gavel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English term 'gavel,' which described a type of hammer.
  • In Old French, 'gavelle' meant a wooden hammer, indicating the tool’s long history in European law.
  • Gavel has roots in Scandinavian languages, where similar words describe striking tools used in various contexts.

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.