monkey wrench

noun

1
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations

Illustration of monkey wrench

Illustration of monkey wrench
  • monkey wrench 1

Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst for North and South America, S&P Global Mobility Despite an electric boom year in 2022, some analysts are downgrading forecasts of EV adoption, due to monkey wrenches of unpredictable demand, looming recession and supply-chain issues. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2023 Scull would like to throw a major monkey wrench into all of those plans. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 His request for a presidential meeting flopped, becoming the latest example of a dramatic personal style that was once integral to his nation’s struggle but now looks more like a monkey wrench in dealing with the Trump administration. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Conflicts could certainly throw monkey wrenches into economic forecasts, as the Russia-Ukraine war did. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monkey wrench was circa 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Monkey wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20wrench. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

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