Mallet: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.