mallet

noun

mal·​let ˈma-lət 

: a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: such as

a

: a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it

b

: a long-handled wooden implement used for striking a ball (as in polo or croquet)

c

: a light hammer with a small rounded or spherical usually padded head used in playing certain musical instruments (such as a vibraphone)

Examples of mallet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This also prevents your meat mallet from getting dirty as well. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2024

According to a police report, the handle of the mallet broke during the attack, which led Tomasini to switch his weapon to a candlestick. —Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Loading your audio article OAKLAND — A man charged joining another man to beat their victim to death with a mallet and a bicycle may not be mentally competent for trial, according to court records. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024

And remember: never bring a knife to a meat mallet fight. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maillet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of mail hammer — more at maul

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mallet

noun

mal·​let ˈmal-ət 

: a hammer usually with a barrel-shaped head: as

a

: one with a large head used for driving a tool (as a chisel) or for striking a surface without damaging it

b

: a club for striking a ball (as in croquet or polo)