gavel

1 of 3

noun (1)

gav·​el ˈga-vəl How to pronounce gavel (audio)
: rent or tribute in medieval England

gavel

2 of 3

noun (2)

: a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (such as a vote or sale)

gavel

3 of 3

verb

gaveled or gavelled; gaveling or gavelling ˈga-v(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce gavel (audio)

transitive verb

: to bring or force by use of a gavel
gaveled the audience to silence

Examples of gavel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
If Republicans keep their majority next year, Johnson may need Trump’s help to win the speaker’s gavel for another term. David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Oct. 2024 In January 2023, Republicans had a 10-seat majority and McCarthy needed 15 excruciating ballots to win the gavel. Juliegrace Brufke, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
If Dems win the majority & I stay on the subcommittee, we’d all get gavels. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Despite this, the car is unlikely to command a seven-figure gavel price. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gavel 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English gafol; akin to Old English giefan to give

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gavel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near gavel

Cite this Entry

“Gavel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gavel. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gavel

noun
gav·​el
ˈgav-əl
: the mallet of an officer in charge of a meeting or of an auctioneer

More from Merriam-Webster on gavel

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