gavel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Official, Legal, Legislative
Quick answer
What does “gavel” mean?
A small, ceremonial mallet or hammer used by an authority figure (like a judge, auctioneer, or meeting chair) to signal for attention, call for order, or mark a decision.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, ceremonial mallet or hammer used by an authority figure (like a judge, auctioneer, or meeting chair) to signal for attention, call for order, or mark a decision.
The concept of authority or control, often institutional, symbolized by the object. It also refers to the office or position of the person using the gavel, as in "under the gavel of."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The object and its ceremonial function are identical. Usage is slightly more frequent in American contexts due to the high visibility of judges, auctioneers, and legislative bodies (e.g., the U.S. Senate).
Connotations
Both share connotations of official authority and procedural control. In the UK, it may have a slightly stronger association with auction houses.
Frequency
More frequent in American English in political and judicial reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “gavel” in a Sentence
[Subject] gavels [Object: meeting/court] to order.[Subject] gavels [Object: item] sold.[Subject] bangs the gavel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gavel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Lord Speaker will gavel the House of Lords into session.
- The auctioneer gavelled the antique vase sold for a record sum.
American English
- The judge gaveled the courtroom to silence.
- The Senate Majority Leader moved to gavel through the nomination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal meetings and auctions. 'The chairman used her gavel to silence the heated debate.'
Academic
Used in political science or legal studies discussing procedure. 'The study examined the symbolic power of the Speaker's gavel.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used metaphorically ('I need a gavel to get their attention').
Technical
Specific to parliamentary procedure, law, and auctioneering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gavel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gavel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gavel”
- Using it as a general term for 'hammer'. Confusing 'gavel' with 'gable' (architectural term). Incorrectly using it as a frequent verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily in American English. It means to use a gavel to signal or command something, e.g., 'to gavel a meeting to order' or 'to gavel through a motion.'
A gavel is a specific type of small, ceremonial mallet used as a symbol of authority in formal settings. A hammer is a general tool for driving nails or breaking objects. Their functions and contexts are completely different.
Yes, they are sold as ceremonial items for club presidents, moot court competitions, or as souvenirs. However, using one in an informal setting would be seen as humorous or pretentious.
It creates a sharp, authoritative sound that cuts through noise to demand attention, symbolically marks the moment of a decision (verdict, sale), and represents the official power of the person wielding it.
A small, ceremonial mallet or hammer used by an authority figure (like a judge, auctioneer, or meeting chair) to signal for attention, call for order, or mark a decision.
Gavel is usually formal, official, legal, legislative in register.
Gavel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡav(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæv(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under the gavel (up for auction)”
- “to gavel through (to approve or pass quickly with minimal debate)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a judge in a CAVE hitting a wall with a L (shaped mallet) – 'CAVE-L' sounds like 'gavel'. The sound brings order to the cave.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A TOOL FOR CONTROL (The gavel is the physical tool that enforces order).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of a 'gavel' be LEAST appropriate?