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Mallet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mallet

[ˈmælɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

woodworking tool

A mallet is a hammer-like tool with a large head, used for driving another tool or for striking a surface without damaging it.

Synonyms

beater, gavel, hammer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mallet

Commonly used in woodworking and carpentry to strike chisels or shape wood without causing damage. Also used in playing some sports, like croquet or polo.

  • He used a wooden mallet to tap the chisel gently.
  • She confidently swung the mallet during the polo match.
hammer

A versatile tool used in construction and various DIY projects for driving nails, fitting parts, forging, and other tasks that require a striking force.

  • He used a hammer to drive the nails into the wooden planks.
  • The blacksmith hammered the hot iron into shape.
beater

Usually refers to a tool or device used for beating ingredients together in cooking or for other purposes requiring repetitive striking. Can also describe a person or thing that beats.

  • The electric beater made mixing the cake batter so much easier.
  • He acted as the drum beater during the parade.
gavel

Primarily used by judges or auctioneers to call for attention or signal decisions. It is symbolic and ceremonial in nature.

  • The judge banged the gavel to call the courtroom to order.
  • With a strike of the gavel, the auctioneer closed the bidding session.

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter used a mallet to gently tap the chisel.
  • She used a mallet to drive the wooden peg into place.
Context #2 | Noun

percussion instrument

In music, a mallet is a type of hammer-like instrument used to strike various percussion instruments such as xylophones, marimbas, and drums.

Synonyms

beater, hammer, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mallet

A mallet is typically used in contexts where gentle, controlled force is needed, such as in woodworking or playing certain musical instruments like a xylophone. It usually has a larger, softer head compared to a hammer.

  • He used a wooden mallet to gently tap the chisel.
  • The musician struck the xylophone keys with a mallet.
hammer

A hammer is used in construction and DIY projects for driving nails or breaking objects. It has a hard metal head and is common in both professional and household tools.

  • He grabbed his hammer to drive the nail into the wall.
  • She used a hammer to break apart the old piece of furniture.
stick

A stick can be used in various contexts, such as in sports or outdoor activities. It refers to a simple, often cylindrical piece of wood or other material, and is less specific than the other tools listed. It can also have a negative connotation if used to imply simplicity or lack of sophistication.

  • He used a stick to draw in the sand.
  • She picked up a stick to use as a makeshift walking cane.
beater

A beater is often used in a musical context to refer to the tool used for striking drums or other percussion instruments. It can also be related to cooking, where it describes a tool for beating ingredients.

  • The drummer picked up the beater and began to play.
  • She used a wire beater to mix the eggs.

Examples of usage

  • The percussionist used mallets to play the xylophone.
  • She practiced playing the marimba with soft mallets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Mallets are essential in the game of croquet, where players hit balls through hoops in a lawn game that originated in France.
  • In traditional Scottish games, a wooden mallet is used in the sport of 'Hammer Throw', where competitors sling a heavy weight attached to a long handle.

Art and Craft

  • In woodworking, a mallet is favored over a hammer to prevent damage to delicate pieces when tapping joints together.
  • Artists working with clay often use mallets to craft and shape pottery, as they need a softer touch compared to regular hammers.

Science and Industry

  • Mallets are commonly used in various trades, like upholstery, for assembling frames without causing damage.
  • In construction, wooden or rubber mallets help to install tiles and paving stones without chipping them.

Sports

  • Some martial arts utilize a special mallet, known as a 'bokken', for practice, allowing fighters to spar safely.
  • In tennis, a type of mallet is used in a version of the game called 'puta', popular in certain cultures as a way to improve striking skills.

Origin of 'mallet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mallet' comes from the Old French word 'maillet', which means a small hammer.
  • Related words in different languages include 'mazzola' in Italian and 'maillot' in Breton, both referring to tools for hitting.

The word 'mallet' originated from the Old French word 'maillet', which in turn came from the Latin 'malleus' meaning 'hammer'. The use of mallets dates back to ancient times when wooden mallets were used in various crafts and musical performances.

See also: mall.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,697, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.